Blog

A tendon basically means a connecting tissue that connects the muscle to the bone. Achilles tendon is that tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.

Difference between Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendinosis

The common type of injuries of the Achilles tendon is Achilles Tendonitisor Achilles Tendinopathy and Achilles Tendinosis. Often these 2 terms are thought to be same however there is a difference between the two. In case of Achilles Tendonitis, there is inflammation and partial rupture of the tendon. If this condition is left untreated, it leads to the degeneration of the tendon and causes a condition called Achilles Tendinosis in which there is a complete rupture of the tendon. The cells get degenerated and lose their structure.

Symptoms and Test to diagnose the problem

Achilles tendonitis symptoms include

• Pain in the tendon area which is more severe in the morning
• Inflammation
• Stiff muscle which relaxes after warm up of the tendon
• Pain and inactive leg

Pain can be mild, moderate, severe or extreme. There is a Calf Squeeze test that can determine if the tendon has been partially or fully ruptured. When the calf muscle of the person lying on his stomach is pressed softly, the foot either moves or not. If it moves, then the Achilles tendon is not fully ruptured which is good news and if it does not move, in that case there is a full rupture of the tendon.

How to treat Achilles Tendonitis or Achilles Tendinosis

The treatment depends upon the duration of the injury and the stage of severity of pain. In nascent stage of injury, the following options can be used.

Immobilization: Making the joint immobile by using a cast or a removable boot.

Ice: Ice plays a major role in reducing inflammation. Applying ice pack on the affected area can reduce pain and swelling.

Medications: Taking oral medications such as Ibuprofen or any other NSAID can help in lessening the pain and swelling.

Orthotics: If the leg movement is not normal and there is over pronation, then orthotics can be used like a cast.

Splints: Splints including night splints will help keep the tendon stretched during the night. The Orthosleeve FS6 sock and Aircast Airheel are one of the best buys.