The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. It connects the calcaneus and the calf muscle. Without it, while walking, people could not fully push their toes off the ground. The Achilles tendon is also the strongest and thickest tendon in our body.
When walking, and even more so when running, huge loads are assigned to it, which are many times higher than the pressure from the human body. Achilles tendon in length can reach fifteen centimeters. It is named after the indestructible hero of ancient Greek myths, but in itself is not indestructible and invulnerable. Many people have certain problems with it from time to time, which can often turn out to be very unpleasant.
Perhaps the most common disease of this tendon is nothing more than tenopathy. It includes tendonitis and tendiosis. In the first case, we are talking about inflammation of the tendon, and in the second of its microscopic ruptures, which most often appear after overstrain.
Also, such an unpleasant ailment as its complete or partial rupture is associated with the Achilles tendon. This is by no means a rare occurrence. A partial rupture is usually not associated with any symptoms, with a complete rupture, pain occurs, and the foot and lower leg become less mobile.
The Achilles tendon may not cause anxiety for a long time, even if it is badly damaged, but sooner or later the symptoms will come out. This almost always happens abruptly and very unexpectedly.
Causes and symptoms of possible damage
Very often athletes suffer from problems with him, and during training they constantly strain him. The Achilles tendon is most affected by rapid running, jumping and sudden stops during fast movement. Usually it all starts with microdamages that quickly grow into something more. These injuries rarely occur when an athlete engages in the same schedule every day - the Achilles tendon suffers at the moment when changes begin to occur in this schedule. The same applies to ordinary people, when they suddenly begin to play sports. Do not forget that even a regular run is a great stress for an unprepared body. Achilles tendon rupture and other troubles with it can arise due to uncomfortable shoes, both athletic and everyday.
Speaking of symptoms, it is worth first of all to say that damage to the Achilles tendon causes pain and discomfort. This discomfort lies in the fact that the damaged area of the body is numb, and it becomes very difficult to walk. Sometimes pain can occur only when moving, and sometimes it can bother even when the leg is in a state of complete rest. The appearance of swelling is possible.
Achilles tendon: treatment
If the first symptoms of damage are detected, it is recommended to immediately stop all exercises, especially those that are somehow related to stretching. To relieve pain, it is recommended to use various painkillers. If the Achilles tendon was damaged during training (or under other circumstances), it is urgent to put ice on the damaged area. In severe cases, doctors apply plaster or special dressings.
In order to prevent problems with him, it is recommended not to start sports without warming up, wear only comfortable shoes, and run as carefully as possible. If you are not an athlete, but want to prove yourself in some kind of sport, then do not train on your own, but seek help from those who really understand how to train without harming your health.
It is not worth joking with the Achilles tendon, since even the slightest damage to it can require long-term treatment.