The Achilles Tendon is a fibrous tissue band that joins the muscles, calf muscles, and heel. The flexibility and strength of this tendon are vital for running, jumping, and walking. The Achilles Tendon endures a lot of pressure and stress from everyday activities; therefore, it may become swollen, inflamed, and irritated. Some of the causes of Achilles Tendon problems include tendonitis, which occurs due to damage to the area and may cause pain down around the heel. The easiest way to notice tendonitis is when parts of the tendon get thicker and start to harden. Another cause is rupture. This is the tear of the tendon fibers, which causes a partial or complete break in the tendon. When you hear a “pop” sound coming from the back of the calf or heel, it may be a tendon rupture that may require immediate medical attention. Some of the key points about these injuries are that anyone can develop tendonitis. The tendons can also rupture due to injury, which may necessitate urgent medical attention; these tendon injuries can cause stiffness, pain, and swelling. Some of the main symptoms of these injuries are; pain in the tendon, especially after exercising, pain that worsens when active, pain near the heel, thickening of the tendon, and bone spurs on your heel. The treatment of these injuries varies depending on how badly the tendon is injured. They include rest, Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for the pain, specific exercises which help in strengthening the calf muscles, physical therapy to reverse the damages to the tendon, alternative systems of low-impact exercises, such as swimming, heel lifts in shoes, walking boots, and orthotic shoes. Another remedy is extracorporeal shockwave therapy which helps in stimulating the healing process in the affected tissue. This may not be often used but can be recommended by the doctor if they believe that you can get better without requiring surgery
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