Duration of Achilles tendon irritation
An acute irritation of the Achilles tendon usually lasts for about two to three weeks. After that, a cautious build-up training can be started. In most cases, the symptoms disappear after about four to six weeks, so that sporting activity can be resumed.
However, it is not uncommon for the Achilles tendon irritation to become chronic. In such a case, one must reckon with a duration of several months. Above all, it is important to strictly observe the sports break so that the Achilles tendon can recover.
You can recognize an Achilles tendon irritation from these symptoms
Pain on exertion Start-up pain Inflammation signs Swelling Redness Overheating Thickening
- Pain under load Start-up pain
- Under load
- Start-up pain
- Signs of inflammation swelling redness overheating
- Swelling
- Redness
- Overheating ̈rmung
- Thickening
- Under load
- Start-up pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Overheating Überwa
Pain is caused by irritation of the Achilles tendon, especially by minor inflammation. By irritating the Achilles tendon, the body sets its defence mechanism in motion and floods many inflammatory cells into the Achilles tendon. Particularly in the initial stage of the Achilles tendon irritation, the so-called tarnishing pain occurs.
This becomes noticeable at the beginning of the load and/or in the morning after getting up. Once the calf muscles have warmed up, the pain disappears again. Only in later stages do they become noticeable even under stress.
How Achilles tendonitis is diagnosed is explained in our article: Diagnosis of an Achilles tendon inflammationThe irritation of the Achilles tendon leads to the infiltration of various inflammatory cells. These always bring liquid with them and thus float up the Achilles tendon. It comes to the swelling of the tendon and the surrounding tissue.
A thickening is usually only caused by a longer irritation. The body begins to strengthen the irritated area of the Achilles tendon to prevent degeneration. Occasionally, permanent small centres of inflammation in the Achilles tendon lead to calcification. These also cause the Achilles tendon to thicken and repeatedly cause irritation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon.
Exercises / stretching exercises
Exercises used in physiotherapy for Achilles tendon irritation aim to achieve stability in the ankle. Many of the exercises therefore involve standing on a shaky or soft surface. The idea behind this is to strengthen the remaining foot muscles so that the Achilles tendon is less stressed.
Later, the Achilles tendon can also be strengthened again through targeted calf training. Before that, however, stretching exercises are a more sensible exercise variant. For example, the forefoot is placed on a step or similar edge of a staircase and the heel is then lowered below the level of the step so that the Achilles tendon is stretched. When you should stretch your Achilles tendon and when not, as well as more about stretching the Achilles tendon, you can read in our article: How to stretch your Achilles tendon
