The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body and its function id to connect the muscles in the heel with the lower legs. This tendon is subjected to immense pressure during movement, and when individuals jump or sprint, it may bear more than twelve times the body weight. When the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, Achilles tendonitis can develop, causing sufferers a great deal of discomfort and foot pain.

<b>Where Does This Condition Come From?</b>

A common cause of Achilles tendonitis is tremendous pressure on the tendon during sudden, vigorous exercise without warming up the various muscle groups in advance. Some sports, such as tennis and basketball, require players to stop and start suddenly and to jump regularly, and these activities may contribute to the condition. In many instances the condition is caused by physical injury to the heel, the tendon itself or the calf. Middle-aged and older people that contract Achilles tendonitis usually suffer from arthritis or they experience bone growth in the heel that inflames the tendon.

<b>What are the Main Indicators of the Condition?</b>

Most people that suffer from this condition complain of severe pain behind the heel and of foot pain. In most cases, the severity of the pain is at its highest after periods of inactivity, such as when first getting up in the morning and when rising after sitting for long periods. In most cases, Achilles tendonitis causes swelling in the area behind the heel, and sufferers will experience a sharp pain when they try to push or jump. Lifting the heel from the ground often causes the pain to worsen.

<b>How is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?</b>

Much can be done to treat the condition, and in most cases, the results of treatment using insolest are satisfactory. Rest is regarded as one of the most important treatment, and often specialists will go as far as to immobilize the foot to make sure that all the muscles rest. The majority of patients experience relief from pain by using special shoe insoles that raise the heel a little bit from the ground. By applying ice to the afflicted area, the blood flow can be improved, and this may also provide temporary reprieve from foot pain. In cases of severe pain and discomfort, foot specialists often prescribe shoe insoles or anti-inflammatory medication that can help speed up the healing process.

Regardless of the other treatment options, almost all patients are advised to undergo some physical therapy that consists of stretching and strengthening exercises that aim to make the muscles of the calf suppler. Most foot specialist will not agree to surgery until they have tried every non-invasive treatment method. Most surgical procedures that aim to treat Achilles tendonitis concentrate upon the removal of a part of the tendon and subsequent lengthening of the remaining part.

<b>Can One Do Something to Prevent it?</b>

One of the most important things that can be done to avoid foot pain caused by this condition is to follow a strict regime of stretching before embarking upon any form of exercise and wearing insolest. Experts agree that the most important step that can be taken to prevent Achilles tendonitis is for insolest to ensure that the muscles and tendons are flexible.

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