Achilles Tendinitis / Tendinosis (Pain in the Back of Heel)

Common symptoms for Achilles Tendinitis/ Tendinosis are:

• Pain in the back of the heel which can be up to the back of the leg 
• Swelling at the back of the heel
• Stiffness of ankle
• Difficulty in walking, climbing stairs, performing routine activities
• Bone spur/ extra bone at the back of the heel

Achilles Tendinitis/ Tendinosis occurs due to tendon overuse or injury to the tendon. Since the Achilles tendon is a vital tendon in the ankle, how much use is overused cannot be said. But people involved in sports activities, active lifestyles, running for long periods, and standing for long duration all can be relatable.

The most important test for detecting Achilles Tendinitis/ Tendinosis is a clinical diagnosis, then comes an x-ray and MRI.

Haglund’s deformity is an overgrowth of bone in the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches and is also a common cause of Achilles tendinitis/ tendinosis (pain in the back of the heel).

Following factors makes one an ideal candidate to get achilles tendonitis:

• Age, it is common after 30 years of age
• Increased weight
• Presence of diabetes 
• More common in men 
• Weak calf muscles
• Increasing running duration very quickly 
• Running very fast without training
• Problem with footwear

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis/ tendinosis (pain in the back of the heel) are treated by:

• Physiotherapy
• Use of anti-inflammatory medicines
• Shoe wear modification
• Hot or cold compression 
• Braces for ankle: Achilles tendinitis/ tendinosis (pain in the back of the heel) is most commonly treated with this therapy only.

Avoid steroid injections to the tendon as they cause weakening of the tendon and rupture of the tendon.

P-R-P (pla-te-let rich plasma)- GF (growth factor) is used as an injection. Various studies have shown they help in clinical improvement in patients. However, further studies are required to prove their absolute role.

If pain is still there after a long time of treatment, then surgery is performed. Moreover, the surgery is done if, after 3 months of treatment, the patient still has pain and cannot perform daily activities.

The surgery for Achilles Tendinitis/ Tendinosis involves: 

• Retrocalcaneal bursa excision 
• Debridement of tendon
• Removal of excess bone/ bony spur from the back of the heel

Note: The surgery is done only in cases who have not responded to treatment. One should consult with their surgeon about other options.

To decrease the risk of Achilles tendinitis/ tendinosis (pain in the back of the heel) follow following tips:

• Warm up before starting playing sports, going to the gym, or exercising. Stretching exercises is a must, with a focus on stretching calf muscles.
• Include different exercises to avoid repetition of exercise as it will reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
• “Slow and steady wins the race”. Increase the time and force of your exercises slowly.
• Exercise all year round, not for a few months.
• Footwear which is comfortable should be used.
• Run on a flat surface and avoid running on uneven and on hills.
• Don’t overdo start slowly and know the limits of your body.

It depends on the hospital category chosen by patients and the type of implant discussed. At Simpainortho.com, we have tried to reduce the cost of surgery and hospital expenses and include complete after-surgery services, which patients require after surgery because we know treatment doesn’t end at the patient's discharge. To ensure the quick recovery of patients in simpainortho.com, we believe that a patient requires expert care within the most comfortable surroundings until he can join routine activities. So, we have made different packages for different patients according to need, and that too at the most affordable prices.

Yes, most insurances have included Achilles tendinitis/ tendinosis (pain in the back of the heel) surgery.