An Achilles tendon injury occurs most commonly in athletes training under less than "ideal" situations. The imperfect training could be due to uneven turf, poor fitting shoes or a lack of preparation, especially a lack of stretching.
Injuries affecting the Achilles tendons include inflammation due to overuse and partial or total ruptures. Spurs and cholesterol deposits can also cause pain in the tendons that is unrelated to athletic activity.
Of course, an athlete with either spurs or cholesterol deposits is more likely to experience inflammation. A recent case study reported in the Official Journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports Medicine indicates that there is an increased risk of rupture among athletes that are taking statin drugs for cholesterol reduction. The increased risk could be due to low levels of coenzyme Q10.
Coenzyme Q10 is an antioxidant necessary for normal muscle function. It is present in all of the cells of the body. Human beings normally produce a sufficient amount, but statins interfere with the production. Supplementation is a good idea for anyone taking the drugs, but is especially important for professional and amateur athletes, as well as the weekend warrior types.
If the Achilles tendon injury is inflammation, rather than a rupture, it is referred to as tendonitis or, more recently, tendinosis. The most effective treatment depends on the cause of the irritation. But, rest is always the first line of treatment.
Professional athletes are sometimes forced into performing with injuries. The result can be a shortened career due to chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation causes aging of the joints, ligaments, tendons and elastic fibers.
Young people often believe they are immune to the effects of aging. It is important for coaches and trainers to take control when one of their players is suffering from an Achilles tendon injury. There should be a mandatory rest period that includes several weeks of reduced activity.
If poor fitting or poorly designed shoes are the cause of the inflammation, buying proper shoes is a simple matter. Not exercising on uneven turf might not be that simple. The solution is to strengthen the tendons with appropriate stretching. Sports professionals have created foot rockers that allow for optimal stretching of the tendons and ligaments in the feet.
In some cases, the problem is not a lack of stretching, but a misalignment of the ankle or some part of the foot. Orthotics that correct the misalignment can help prevent an Achilles tendon injury and produce early relief of the pain.
If a rupture occurs, there may be a partial of complete break in one of the tendons. There have been instances when both tendons ruptured at the same time, but there were complicating factors, such as the use of statin drugs. Ruptures may be treated with operative and non-operative approaches, but in either case, they require the evaluation of a specialist.
If you have had an Achilles tendon injury in the past, you are more likely to experience one in the future. So, take preventative measures now to protect the health of your lower body.
