Springtime feet screaming, if you have heel pain...
Mar 25, 2025
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Among them, 'Achilles tendinitis' is an inflammation caused by the hyperextension of the Achilles tendon, as if the foot is shouting 'Stop moving' and 'Scream'. Not only are recurrences frequent, but rupture can also lead to surgery.
Achilles tendonitis, a representative foot disease in spring, was summarized with the help of Yoo Young-tak, an orthopedic surgeon at Daejeon Eulji University Hospital.
◇ Why does Achilles tendonitis occur?
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel and plays an important role in walking and jumping. As this tendon contracts and relaxes, it pushes up the foot to provide momentum, which contributes to maintaining the balance of our body as well as activities such as walking, jumping, and jumping. However, there is a risk of damage due to excessive use or rapid movement.
Professor Yoo Young-tak said, "The typical symptom of Achilles tendonitis is pain in the Achilles tendon or heel after severe exercise or activity." "If it is severe, there can be pain even during light exercise or rest, and in some cases, swelling and fever can be accompanied.", he explained.
Although the cause of Achilles tendinitis is not yet clear, it is generally known that internal factors such as △ age over 50 years old △ overweight or obese △ weakening of calf muscle strength △ misalignment of ankle joints △ excessive exercise or walking △ excessive use of shoes that strain Achilles tendon △ external factors such as wearing shoes.
◇ Why does it recur before recovering?
Anatomically, the blood flow is not smooth in the areas where the Achilles tendon and bone (companion) are attached and 2 to 6 cm above. For this reason, even if damage to the Achilles tendon occurs, it recovers somewhat slowly. Therefore, if the symptoms are mild, it is better to reduce the activity and allow the Achilles tendon to rest as much as possible.
The problem is that since you cannot live without movement at all, the damage is repeated before sufficient recovery, leading to recurrence and chronicity. Therefore, if you are diagnosed with Achilles tendinitis, you must be accompanied by active treatment and sufficient rest in the early stages to prevent recurrence, chronicity, degeneration and weakening. Taking anti-inflammatory drugs, ice packs, and proper stretching are also helpful.
If extreme pain is suddenly felt with a sound of 'tuk' during exercise or activity, or ankle movement is limited, the Achilles tendon may have ruptured, so you should visit a hospital and see a specialist as soon as possible.
◇ Why do you need comfortable shoes?
The most recommended way to prevent Achilles tendinitis is to choose shoes that fit you well and are comfortable. Specifically, elastic insoles or shoes with soles relieve shock. In addition, wearing shoes with arches supported and heels 2 to 3 cm higher than those of the forefoot, or putting pads of the same thickness on the heel can reduce tension in the Achilles tendon and stabilize the heel. It is recommended to try on the shoes yourself and check if the side that touches the lower part of the Achilles tendon and the back of the heel is comfortable. In addition, it is recommended to wear several shoes in rotation rather than wearing only one shoe continuously.
Professor Yoo Young-tak advised "If the Achilles tendon is damaged, even simple activities such as walking and running can cause pain, which can affect the quality of life."Even if it is a familiar exercise that has been done all the time, the flexibility and strength of the Achilles tendon decrease with age, which can lead to injury, so be careful."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
