Michigan Orthopedics

As one of the top Michigan orthopedic hospitals and with nationally renowned joint care and foot and ankle programs, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland serves as a model for hospitals across the country. Our Michigan doctors specialize in everything from custom knee replacement to hip replacements to shoulder injuries and even wrist fractures.

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Peg Chilvers, MD

St. Joseph Mercy Oakland
Orthopedic Surgeon

THE FACTS ABOUT THE FACTS ABOUT ACHILLES TENDONITIS

Background

The Achilles tendon is a large band of tissues connecting the muscles in the back of your lower leg to the heel bone. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and is used anytime you walk, run,jump or rise up on your toes. While this is the largest tendon in the body and can withstand forces up to 1,000 pounds, it is also ruptured more frequently than any other tendon and this overuse injury is possible for athletes of all calibers. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the band of tissues that composes the tendon become irritated and or inflamed.

Podcast Posted: 3/31/2008
Duration: 01:00

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This occurs most frequently from sporting injuries when there are excess amounts of stress and repetition applied to the muscles in the calf and the Achilles tendon. Basketball players, for example, experience an elevated number of cases of Achilles tendonitis due to the required motions of the game. Achilles tendonitis is not problematic if diagnosed and treated at the onset of pain. However, if the injury is aggravated by continued usage and or stress it can lead to chronic pain or a rupture of the tendon. This may also result in necessary surgery.

SYMPTOMS
"Most people don't know that they have Achilles tendonitis initially," states Dr. Peg Chilvers, a SJMO Orthopedic Surgeon. “The initial symptoms are mild and can be mistaken for general soreness or stiffness after athletics.” The symptoms of the ailment include: light swelling or tenderness on or around the tendon, a cracking or popping sound when you move or rotate your Achilles tendon, and an ache or pain when using the tendon such as in walking or if pushing off with your toes. Additional markers of Achilles tendonitis include a soreness in the morning and extreme pain or discomfort when exercising or engaging in sporting events. Those with more severe cases may not be able to bend their foot downward or walk as they normally would. This may be a sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon and medical attention should be pursued immediately.

CAUSES
Achilles tendonitis occurs when an extreme amount of stress is applied to the area. This can occur from beginning a new or intense exercise routine or simply from overusing the tendon through repetitive motions, as is the case with most seasoned athletes. Other factors can also affect the tendon including: flattened arches, poor conditioning, infection and trauma. MICHIGAN MEDICAL REPORT FROM THE PHYSICIANS AT ST. JOSEPH MERCY OAKLAND

TREATMENT
“Most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be treated without surgery,” says Dr. Peg Chilvers. “Pain management is the first step.” Dr. Chilvers suggests that in this phase, patients stop the activities
that caused the pain, taking medication to prevent inflammation stretching, massages and exercises to strengthen the muscles around the tendon. Additionally, Dr. Chilvers also stresses that individuals use an orthotic device such as a bandage wrap or heel pad or shoe insert to rest the muscles and tendons. While conservative measures are suggested as the initial means of treatment, persistent pain may signify a need for surgery. This is used as a last resort as recovery with this tendon is slow and may require patients to wear a temporary cast.

PREVENTION
Achilles tendonitis is not completely avoidable, however, there are steps that you can take that may lessen your chances of inflaming or otherwise aggravating this area. Some steps to take include:

Cross-train: Diversify your workout regime with both high impact (running and jumping) with low impact (swimming and yoga) activities.
Stretch frequently: By implementing a daily stretching routine, your muscles become more flexible and less prone to injury or strain.
Wear proper footwear: Select shoes that are well-cushioned and have firm arch support. Shoes should not be worn while exercising if they are excessively worn.
Gradually increase workout regime: Starting your program off slowly and increasing it gradually is key. This will help condition and strengthen your muscles.

REFERRALS
Please contact the SJMO referral line at 800.372.6094 for an Orthopedic Surgeon near you.

THE MEDICAL REPORT LIBRARY:

MICHIGAN ORTHOPEDICS

	The Facts About Achilles Tendonitis Peg Chilvers, MD Posted: 3/31/2008
	Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty Richard Bartholomew, DO Posted: 3/31/2008
	The Facts About Knee Bursitis Jignesh Patel, DO Posted: 3/31/2008
	The Facts About Ankle Arthroscopy Christopher Tisdel, MD Posted: 3/31/2008
	Custom Fit Knee Replacement Safa Kassab, MD Posted: 12/15/2007
	Total Hip Replacement William Ward, MD Posted: 9/25/2007

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