Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles, the Greek mythology hero, was vulnerable only at his heel. Achilles shared this trait with the rest of us and that is why this tendon which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone bears his name today. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and is very strong, but is also the tendon we rupture the most often. Everyone who is active can suffer from Achilles tendonitis, a common overuse injury and inflammation of the tendon.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include mild pain after exercise or running that gradually worsens, a noticeable sense of sluggishness in your leg, and episodes of diffuse or localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours after running. Other symptoms can be swelling, morning tenderness in the Achilles tendon, or stiffness that generally diminishes as the tendon warms up with use.
Treatment depends on the degree of injury to the tendon, but normally includes rest, which may mean a total withdrawal from running or exercise for a week, or simply switching to another exercise, such as swimming, that does not stress the Achilles tendon. Treatment can also include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, orthoses, which are devices to help support the muscle and relieve stress on the tendon such as a heel pad or shoe insert, a bandage specifically designed to restrict motion of the tendon, and stretching, massage, ultrasound and appropriate exercises to strengthen the weak muscle group in front of the leg and the upward foot flexors.

Dr. Eric Silvers is a board certified foot and ankle specialist in McKinney, Texas. His website is www.mckinneyfootcenter.com. His office number is 972-542-2155.