The Achilles Tendon is the band of tissue which attaches your calf muscles to your heel bone. It is right behind your lower leg and it is used for activities like walking, jogging and jumping. The Achilles Tendon helps you push off the ground with your foot, so it is very important in physical movements.
This tendon is prone to injury because of the strain it takes, particularly in physically active individuals. Achilles Tendon problems affect athletes, runners and even casual players of sports. They usually occur in two forms: Achilles Tendinitis (inflammation of the tendon) and Achilles Tendon Rupture (tear in the tendon).
Achilles Tendinitis is an overstressed or worn tendon which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Achilles Tendon Rupture is a more serious injury characterised by ripping of the tendon and resulting in pain and difficulty walking.
The Achilles Tendon may become weaker and damaged with age. Bad footwear, a sudden increase in activity and some medical conditions such as high blood pressure increase the risk of damaging the Achilles Tendon. In the event you experience pain in the back of your leg or have difficulty moving your foot, get it checked out early to stay away from further complications.
The Achilles Tendon is used for basic movements like walking or jogging and could be injured for a number of reasons. Knowing the common causes of Achilles Tendon injuries are important for its prevention and treatment.
The common causes of Achilles Tendon Disorders are:
Sudden Upswing in Activity: Sudden increases in the intensity or duration of physical activities like jogging or jumping can overtax the tendon and cause strain or tears.
Poor Footwear: Shoes that are inadequately supportive or old may place additional stress on the Achilles Tendon.
Age: Aged tendons are less elastic and brittle, increasing the risk for injury.
Physical Structure: Flat feet or high arches increase the chance of damage to the Achilles Tendon because of the extra stress these conditions put on the tendon.
No Flexibility: Tight calf muscles may pull repeatedly on the Achilles Tendon, exposing it to injury.
Intense or Repetitive Exercise: Activities that involve lots of jumping or quick starts and stops quickly, such as basketball or tennis, can cause small injuries that accumulate later on.
Cold Weather: Tendons may become stiffer and more prone to injuries in colder temperatures.
Obesity: Carrying excess weight adds pressure to the Achilles Tendon when moving.
Medical Conditions: Some medicines like fluoroquinolone antibiotics raise risk of tendon problems because of health conditions such as high blood pressure and psoriasis.
Achilles Tendon related injuries may be painful and impair your mobility. Recognising the early signs and symptoms of Achilles Tendon disorders may prevent more serious injury and facilitate quicker recovery.
The common symptoms of Achilles Tendon disorders are:
This is probably the most frequent symptom, often a gentle ache in the back of the leg or just above the heel following running or doing related activities.
The pain may be severe after running, stair climbing or sprinting.
You may feel stiffness along the tendon early in the morning but this usually goes away with mild activity during the day.
The Achilles Tendon may be sore to the touch at or just above the heel.
Swelling may occur along the tendon or near the heel and may get worse with activity.
The area surrounding the tendon may be red or warm to the touch.
Difficulty flexing the foot or pointing the toes down indicates more serious injury.
When a tendon rupture takes place, you may audibly hear a snapping or popping sound.
You may be weak standing on tiptoe or pushing off your foot when walking or running.
If the tendon ruptures, it could show a gap just above the heel.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Achilles Tendon Disorders by combining ancient Ayurvedic knowledge and the latest advances in modern medicine to achieve lasting-relief. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
Personalised Ayurvedic Medicines: Specially crafted herbal blends aim to harmonise body energies and promote mood stability.
Yoga, Meditation, and Mindfulness: Calming practices focused on boosting mental wellness and overall health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Procedures such as Panchakarma and therapeutic massages that cleanse the body and support emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert guidance on making diet and lifestyle adjustments to reach peak health.
Ayurveda provides various herbal remedies for Achilles Tendon disroders. These natural treatments aim at reducing inflammation, strengthening tissues and balancing the energies of the body (especially the Vata dosha which is often implicated in such injuries).
Dasamoolarishtam: A tonic derived from ten medicinal roots, it strengthens the muscles and joints and improves physical health.
Maharasnadi Kashayam: This herbal decoction reduces inflammation and pain from joint and muscle problems.
Dhanwantharam Ghritam: It's a medicated ghee that has revitalising properties, and helps to tone up the muscles and tendons.
Rasna Panchakam Kashayam: This preparation is particularly useful for joint and muscle problems, as it decreases pain and inflammation.
Rasnasaptakam Kashayam: Like Rasna Panchakam, it relieves muscle and joint pain.
Rasaraj Ras: A mineral based Ayurvedic treatment used to strengthen joints and muscles.
Laksha Guggulu: It is a quick-healing agent, especially beneficial for bones and connective tissues.
Trayodasanga Guggulu: It's helpful in pain-relief and anti-inflammatory effects and is frequently prescribed for many musculoskeletal issues.
Mahayogaraja Guggulu: Used for general muscle and joint pain and mobility improvement.
Recovery time varies; mild tendinitis may resolve in weeks, whereas ruptures may take months to heal completely following treatment.
Minor injuries can be healed with general care and rest while more serious ones often require medical treatment to heal properly.
The tendon can be strengthened with calf raises, ankle flexion and mild stretching. For a customised exercise plan, see a therapist.
Ice is usually used for reducing inflammation and pain temporarily following an injury, while heat may relax and loosen tissues, and increase blood flow.
Yes, more weight could place additional pressure on the Achilles Tendon, making sprains much more likely.
Ayurveda considers these injuries to be related to Vata imbalance, or dryness and vulnerability in the tissues.
A diet low in processed foods and full of fresh fruits, vegetables, seeds and nuts in addition to whole grains is recommended as an anti-inflammatory diet for this condition.
Yes, gentle yoga with stretching and strengthening poses is helpful, but it should be practised with guidance to avoid strain.
Herbs like Ashwagandha, Turmeric and Guggulu are considered anti-inflammatory and strengthen the tendons.
Yes, Ayurvedic massage with herbal oils can help with stiffness and circulation in the area.
Regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, choosing appropriate footwear and not rushing into a high workout intensity can all prevent injuries related to the Achilles Tendon.
