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The Achilles tendon, also known as the heel tendon, is the largest tendon that make up the human body. Its name refers to the mythical hero – Achilles – who died as a result of a foot wound. The mythical story partly reflects the nature of this tendon, which, despite its size, is very sensitive and can easily be strained.
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon consists of the tendons of two muscles – gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, which form our calves. They give it a specific shape – the tendon is long, wide in the upper parts and narrower at the bottom. The Achilles tendon connects to the foot at a site known as a heel tumor. It is responsible for our ability to move and make foot movements. Thanks to it, we can move the foot, bend it, stand on straight toes, and move around by taking steps.
People who practice sports are at risk of injuries related to the Achilles tendon. First of all, people who are just starting regular physical activity, such as running, swimming or athletics. Men around the age of 40 are particularly at risk. During this period, many men decide to start regular physical activity in order to improve their figure and overall physical condition. When this happens, your Achilles tendon may feel painful or stretched when you are not used to regular exercise.
For example, many men who begin regular training complain of achilles tendon pain after running. In order to prevent such situations, each planned physical effort should start with a warm-up. The tendency for Achilles tendon pain increases with age. With the passage of subsequent years, the musculotendinous structure changes, and especially the condition of its blood supply deteriorates. As a result, the Achilles tendon is less resistant to exercise and is easily strained.
Achilles tendon pain – causes and symptoms
The most common injuries causing pain in the Achilles tendon include its strain, fatigue and partial rupture. These injuries are treated by immobilizing the leg for approximately three weeks. After this time, rehabilitation is necessary, which usually takes about 6 weeks and consists in performing certain exercises with the leg. However, immobilization and rehabilitation alone are not always enough. Surgery may be necessary in the event of a severe or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon.
The main symptoms of problems with the Achilles tendon are pain, swelling of the calf and redness in the calf area. Sometimes bruises also appear. The pain may be mild at first and may get worse over time. For example, a partial rupture of the Achilles tendon can manifest itself in specific movements with the foot or while walking. With time, however, the torn tendon begins to hurt more and more, and the pain occurs not only when you move your foot, but it accompanies you all the time. If the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, then an additional symptom appears. This is the crackling sound made when you move your foot.
Achilles tendon pain may also result from inflammation of one of the bursae. Most often it occurs as a result of walking in poorly fitting, oppressive shoes.
- In order to reduce pain and swelling, it is worth using the OS1st FS4 + n compression bandage for the calf and ankle joint, available in black or blue.
How to deal with Achilles tendon pain at home?
Not all Achilles tendon injuries are serious. Often it is only strained, which does not pose a threat to health. In such a situation, pain in the bursa or Achilles tendon can be relieved by using appropriate ointments. Especially recommended are ointments dedicated to athletes, which should be applied to the back of the foot, heel and calf. These ointments are available without a prescription and are intended for self-administration. You can lubricate the foot and calf 2-3 times a day. In combination with rest, we can regain full fitness of the leg.
Achilles tendon pain can also be relieved by applying cold compresses. For this purpose, it is best to use altacet in the form of a gel or in the form of a cooling spray. This drug is safe, it can be used by children from 3 years of age, and the price is around PLN 12. In the case of a spray – the painful area of the Achilles tendon should be sprinkled thoroughly. A dressing should not be applied to the sore spot, as it could be counterproductive. Instead of cooling the area down, it would become hot, the negative effect of which would aggravate the pain in the Achilles tendon.
For aching Achilles tendon, try the OS1st AF7 Compression Sleeve for the ankle and the Achilles tendon in the left or right version. It accelerates the regeneration and efficiency of tendons and joints, and also reduces ailments such as pain and swelling.
On Medonet Market you will find:
- OSTROGel with bay leaf extract,
- Gel for joints with hemp extract,
- Relaxing and soothing gel for muscles and joints with devil’s claw,
which are good for pain in muscles and tendons.
The best way, however, is to prevent Achilles tendon pain from occurring. To do this, walk and run in comfortable and well-worn footwear. Start your physical activity with a short leg warm-up to help your tendons become more flexible and supple. It is also worth “exercising” the leg before strenuous efforts, such as participating in sports competitions, going to the mountains or skiing. It is worth preparing for them by allocating at least 10 minutes a day to training the feet and calves.
For pain in the area of the Achilles tendon, it is worth using a compression band for the calf and ankle joint – OS1st FS6 +, which can be purchased in black, white, pink or yellow and in various sizes.
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