Symptoms
Symptoms of Achillodynia are painful conditions of the Achilles tendon or diffuse pain in the entire calf musculature. Initially, pain occurs after sporting activity and disappears after a certain period of rest. Later, the pain also sets in during sporting activity and is sometimes so severe that training has to be stopped.
After a few days of rest, the symptoms often subside again until the next strain on the tendon. In later stages of the disease, pain at rest can also occur, caused by the chronic inflammation of the tendon. Pain can be caused by shortening of the calf muscles (toe position, foot pointed) as well as by stretching of the tendon during active strain of the tendon.
Another striking sign is the positive pincer grip. If you grip around the tendon like pliers, it is painful and sensitive to pressure. Particularly in the lower third of the tendon, thickening and hardening with nodules can also be felt. In acute irritation, typical signs of inflammation such as heat, swelling and redness are also noticeable in addition to the pain.
Summary
Achillodynia is a chronic disease of the Achilles tendon, which occurs mainly in people who are active in sports. Painful conditions occur after or during strain on the tendon (mainly when running or jumping). In late stages of the disease, pain at rest can also occur.
Achillodynia is usually treated conservatively through physiotherapy, in which the tendon is stretched and mobilized, the muscles are trained mainly eccentrically and also stretched. In the rare cases where conservative therapy does not work even after a long period of time, surgery may be indicated. The therapy can be supplemented by taking anti-inflammatory medication or tape bandages.
It is important to check your running style and external training circumstances as well as an exact physical condition. Achillodynia is a chronic disease and requires long-term intensive treatment.
