What is the achilles tendon?
The “Achilles Tendon” is the largest and strongest tendon (a tough band of fibrous tissue) in the body where the calf muscles unite into one band of tissue. It is found at the back of the leg right above the heel and connects the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. The “Achilles Tendon” pulls on the heel when the calf muscles flex allowing several movements such as standing on the toes, walking, running and jumping.
What are the causes of around the achilles tendon pain?
1. Achilles Tendiopathy (Tendinitis/Tendinosis):
Is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and weakness around the Achilles tendon and is usually caused by the overuse and/or repeated injuries of the tendon. This is a general term used to describe:
– Tendinitis: the inflammation of the tendon caused by frequent activity which causes pain and stiffness at the back of the heel.
– Tendinosis: the thickening of the tendon that happens gradually without visible inflammation usually due to aging and/or tendon overuse.
2. Achilles Tendon Tear/Rupture:
The tendon could be torn in small microtears or larger tears that usually cause pain and swelling as well as inhibit the patient’s movement. The tears could occur gradually over time or suddenly due to a sports injury or a wrong move.
Achilles tendon complete rupture could happen usually causing a popping sound at the time of the rupture. After the tendon is ruptured there is often severe pain and swelling of the lower part of the injured leg.
3. Achilles or heel Bursitis:
The “Bursa” is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the Achilles tendon at the heel area to reduce friction between the bones and the overlying soft tissues.
Overuse of the ankle can irritate the bursa and inflame it. This usually happens with repeated walking, running or jumping. The skin at the back of the heel may become red and warm due to the irritation. Pain may be felt in the heel especially while walking, running or even touching the area. Achilles Bursitis pain gets even worse when the patient attempts to stand on his/her toes.
What is ultrasound guided injection of around the achilles tendon pain?
This technique uses FDA approved medication, which is injected, directly into the pain area under ultrasound guidance. This technique has the following benefits:
– Helps the radiologist to accurately identify the inflamed tendon or bursa, which is important to confirm the clinical examination.
– Allows the radiologist to accurately localize and effectively administer the medicine to one or more compartments of the painful area “if necessary” resulting in better and faster pain relief.
– The patient benefits the most by having the medication in the right spot without pain or complications.
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