The human body is a rather complex mechanism, but its structure is in the best possible way with the functions performed. This can be clearly seen on the example of joints. Each of them, and there are many of them in the skeleton, is both a strong and mobile connection.
The strength of the joint is provided primarily by the synovial bag and tendons. It happens that this mechanism fails and bursitis develops. This disease is divided into different types depending on localization. In our article, I would like to discuss the symptoms and causes, as well as the treatment of achillobursitis, which is most common.
A bit of anatomy
The Achilles tendon, which goes from the triceps muscle of the lower leg to the calcaneus, is considered one of the most durable in the human body. The triceps muscle in its lower part passes into the Achilles tendon. When it contracts, the foot bends. It is thanks to her work that we can stand on toes. She takes part in various movements, from regular walking to running and jumping.
If this muscle is constantly under heavy load, then problems may occur in the normal functioning of the Achilles tendon.
The bursa, or bag, is filled with fluid that facilitates gliding in the joint. With its inflammation, a disease such as bursitis occurs. Between the lower part of the tendon and the calcaneus is the bag of the Achilles tendon, if it becomes inflamed, then achillobursitis develops. We will analyze the symptoms, causes and treatment of bursitis in more detail.
Causes of the disease
Bursitis occurs, as a rule, from excessive physical exertion. This often happens in athletes, but, besides this, there are some other reasons that can lead to this problem:
- wearing shoes with high heels (this problem is purely female);
- hematogenous or lymphogenous infection; the inflammatory process in the bursa can lead to rupture of the tendon;
- excess weight;
- injuries and bruises of the heel;
- tight and uncomfortable shoes;
- arthritis of the ankle joint.
If at least one of the listed points is observed, then it is necessary to closely monitor the condition of your joints and pay attention to your own feelings, so that, if necessary, in time to begin treatment of achillobursitis.
Symptoms of bursitis
The first sign of this disease is most often pain, which spreads along the Achilles tendon along the back surface of the lower leg. You can also observe:
- redness;
- swelling;
- exacerbation of pain when walking.
If you wear uncomfortable shoes at this time, then the situation is even worse. Gradually, the inflammatory process spreads throughout the tendon, even the lower part of the triceps muscle swells.
If an Achilles tendon rupture suddenly occurs , then this is determined by the characteristic crunch, and the site of damage becomes swollen and painful. The man is very lame, but he can’t stand on his toes at all.
We examined achillobursitis (symptoms). Home treatment will be described below, and now let's talk about the diagnosis of this disease.
Diagnosis of the disease
The diagnosis is not particularly difficult. The doctor talks with the patient, asks him about the sensations, symptoms, feels the foot. The examination most often gives the patient pain, but the doctor must make sure that the tendon is intact and intact.
When very little time has passed since the rupture, it can be determined by the swelling of the lower leg and foot, as well as by the hematoma. During the examination, the doctor discovers a sagging at the site of tendon rupture. If you ask the patient to bend the foot, then he will practically not be able to do this.
The doctor suggests foot bursitis - achillobursitis, and treatment methods will be chosen after further examination.
- Since soft tissues are poorly visualized on an x-ray, an ultrasound is prescribed to the victim, which allows you to determine the location of the tendon rupture.
- MRI is considered an even more accurate method, as the structure of the tissues is clearly visible.
Both of these methods do not require preparation, but they accurately confirm or refute the doctor’s diagnosis, and also make it possible to determine which treatment of achillobursitis is required, whether the operation is necessary for the patient or medication can be dispensed with.
Disease therapy
Bursitis treatment is carried out in several directions. It will be more effective if you carry out a whole range of procedures. The following treatment methods can be distinguished:
- drug therapy;
- shock wave;
- limitation of physical activity;
- surgical intervention;
- alternative methods of treatment.
It will turn out to achieve the best results if several methods are used in combination.
Conservative treatment
Since severe pain disturbs the patient's tendon rupture, anesthesia is necessary first. To do this, use the introduction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs directly into the tendon. Also, the doctor usually prescribes an anti-inflammatory ointment as a local remedy.
Treatment of achillobursitis with the help of shock wave therapy is considered the most effective treatment method, which is a good alternative to surgical intervention.
This method is good in that it does not cause gross violations in the tissues of the body and does not have a negative effect. The number of sessions is usually determined taking into account the severity of the disease.
Between sessions, a break of at least three days, but no more than six. This is due to the fact that more than 2000 pulses of medium and low level should not be transmitted in one procedure.
If we talk about non- drug treatment, then it usually includes the following measures:
- applying a tight bandage to the damaged area;
- decrease in physical activity;
- the need to wear low-heeled shoes;
- it is desirable that the shoes be orthopedic, and even better to make it to order;
- in some cases, you need to lose weight.
We examined achillobursitis, symptoms and effective treatment of the disease using drugs and other procedures. But if the result of a whole complex of measures is ineffective, then you will have to resort to surgical intervention.
Surgery
Most often, you do not have to resort to surgical intervention, but there are times when you just can not do without it. If drug therapy and physiotherapy do not give the desired result, the tissues thicken, the inflammatory process does not stop, then surgical treatment is indicated.
The doctor during the operation makes an excision of the tissues around the tendon and examines it. If degenerative changes, thickening of the organ, as well as significant changes are observed, then plastic may be required.
At break, tissue suturing, removal of hematoma and damaged tissues is carried out. After that, the tendon sheath is carefully restored.
If more than 4 weeks have passed since the rupture, then most likely, Achilles tendon plastic will be required.
Bursitis treatment: do it yourself
Alternative methods can not cope with such a disease, but they can become auxiliary agents in treatment. All methods of such exposure can be divided into several groups:
- compresses;
- warmly;
- cold;
- potions.
Of the compresses, you can advise the following.
- Grate black radish, wrap it in a napkin and attach to the joint for 1 hour. Before use, lubricate the place of application with vegetable oil. The procedure is performed twice a day.
- A good effect is the application of fresh unsalted fat to the heel. Before this, the leg should be steamed well, put a piece of fat and fix it. You can do this procedure at night.
- Take 1 part aloe, 2 parts honey and 3 parts vodka, mix everything and put a compress overnight on a sore spot.
- A leaf of fresh cabbage attached to the heel at night helps well.
An effective method is exposure to heat:
- use a salt or water heating pad;
- red-hot brick is also suitable; with it you need to warm the joint for about 30 minutes, and then grease it and wrap it;
- You can warm flax seeds, put in a linen bag and attach to the leg.
The opposite of heat is cold, which can also alleviate the condition of the patient. To do this, you can attach a heating pad with ice water to the damaged area. Cold helps reduce pain.
We examined achillobursitis, symptoms and effective treatment for this disease. It is worth noting that not only athletes, but also ordinary people can get such an ailment. Such cases are often enough, because no one is safe from injuries in this area: sometimes an unsuccessful jump is enough - and the inflammatory process is already starting.
At the first signs of the disease, do not immediately resort to home treatment methods. It is better to consult a doctor so that therapy is as effective as possible. Only in this case can surgical intervention be avoided.