Achilles tendon is the name of the largest tendon in the body and it is the one that connects the heel bone with that of calf muscles. It is found in the back of your leg closer to the heel. Achilles tendon is the bone that is used for walking, jumping and running. It is subjected to wear and tear over age and sometime it degenerates due to increased stress and old age. Achilles tendinitis is the condition in which the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed due to over usage and degeneration. Any part of the body develops swelling and pain if it is used in excess or subjected to severe stress.
Types :
Achilles tendinitis can be categorized into two types based on the area of the tendon that is affected.
- Non-insertional tendinitis is one in which the middle fiber portion of the tendon degenerates and develops swelling.
- Insertional tendinitis is one in which the lower part of the heel develops inflammation giving rise to extra bone growth. This type of tendinitis can occur to anyone even if they are not active.
Achilles Tendinitis Causes :
The basic cause of Achilles tendinitis is repeated stress on the tendon. This can happen accidentally or sometimes when we exert ourselves to do some task. Extra growth of the bone can cause Achilles tendinitis. The point at which the tendon gets attached to the heel develops bone spur giving rise to tendinitis.
Accident, trauma or injury to the heel bone, misalignment of the bone can cause Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinitis can develop if a person exerts too much and gets involved in intense exercise suddenly. Any type of exercise should be increased gradually so that the body gets adjusted to the process. If you have tight calf muscles it can put extra strain on the tendon leading to Achilles tendinitis.