Symptoms of Achilles tendon synovitis

The Achilles tendon is an essential substance that allows people's feet to move normally. If this area is strained for a long time, it can easily cause Achilles tendonitis. Under the broad category of Achilles tendonitis, there is a type of Achilles tendon synovitis. After Achilles tendon synovitis occurs, the symptoms are somewhat similar to those of other synovitis. So next I will introduce to you the symptoms of Achilles tendon synovitis.

What are the typical symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy?

Clinically, Achilles tendinitis (Achilles tendinopathy) can be divided into acute and chronic. It is mainly caused by repeated mechanical strain and excessive stretching of the Achilles tendon, usually presenting as chronic pain after exercise or strain; however, in some patients, when the symptoms accumulate to a certain extent, they will suddenly cause an acute attack with redness, swelling, heat, and increased pain. Mr. Gu in the case suffered from repeated strain from long-term playing of ball, which eventually led to an acute attack of Achilles tendonitis. If Achilles tendinopathy is not treated properly, the Achilles tendon will further degenerate and degenerate, causing inability to exert force normally and pain, which will affect normal activities. Chronic lesions occurring at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon are difficult to heal after injury due to the poor blood supply at this site due to its anatomical position. Over time, this area is prone to calcium deposition and the formation of calcified lesions, which seriously affect the normal function of the Achilles tendon and may even lead to the risk of Achilles tendon rupture.

Typical clinical manifestations of Achilles tendinopathy (Achilles tendinitis) include:

Most patients experience pain when stretching the Achilles tendon during exercise.

Pain and pulling sensation are more obvious after getting up in the morning

Stiffness and pulling sensation in the heel during activity, and a snapping sound in the Achilles tendon

Standing on tiptoe can cause pain, affecting the normal range of motion of the ankle joint

In severe cases, the Achilles tendon may become red, hot, and swollen, accompanied by tenderness and even the growth of nodules and masses.

What factors are related to the occurrence and development of Achilles tendinopathy? What adverse consequences will it lead to?

Age is an important factor. It rarely occurs before the age of 35. As the age increases, the tendon's ability to repair damage decreases and it ages, making it more susceptible to damage and difficult to recover after injury.

Excessive stretching of the Achilles tendon during exercise and daily life can easily increase the incidence of Achilles tendinopathy, especially excessive jumping, climbing hills and slopes; walking on hard and uneven surfaces for a long time; shoes that are too old and damaged, or too tight on the heels, causing wear and tear, etc.

Patients with flat feet and inversion are more likely to develop Achilles tendinopathy

Excessive stretching and strain of the gastrocnemius muscle in the posterior calf group can easily induce Achilles tendon disease

Other conditions such as diabetes, gout, excessive uric acid, and some medications can also increase the risk of Achilles tendinopathy.

After Achilles tendinopathy occurs, what we are worried about is that the tendon tissue becomes brittle and may cause Achilles tendon rupture, which is a worse outcome, so we need to pay attention to it as soon as possible.

How do you know if you have Achilles tendinitis?

Your doctor can diagnose Achilles tendinopathy or tendinitis by doing a physical examination to determine the location of swelling and pain, the range of motion of the ankle, and specific signs. At the same time, it is necessary to rule out partial rupture of the Achilles tendon and strain of the gastrocnemius muscle.

Imaging examinations show no obvious findings on X-rays in the early stages of Achilles tendinopathy, but in severe cases bone spurs may be found at the calcaneal insertion point. Calcific Achilles tendinopathy can be seen with obvious calcifications on X-rays. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and ultrasound examinations can clearly show Achilles tendon tissue edema, disordered arrangement, and tiny calcification points.

How to treat Achilles tendinitis?

The conventional treatment for Achilles tendinitis (Achilles tendinopathy) generally starts with conservative treatment. If conservative treatment is ineffective or fails, surgery can be considered.

If pain, redness, and swelling occur after activity, local ice compress and cold therapy can be applied first;

Reduce the amount of activity that puts strain on the Achilles tendon;

Increase the heel height appropriately and wear wedge heels to reduce the pain caused by Achilles tendon traction;

You can wear an Achilles tendon protector or an intramuscular tape for protection.

Appropriate heat and physical therapy;

Oral anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs can be taken under the guidance of a doctor; local sealing treatment is usually not recommended

Shock wave therapy: Traditional conservative treatment has not been effective for 2-3 months, or there are concerns about oral medications and local closure.

Some serious cases, such as chronic lesions that do not heal for a long time; large local calcifications; partial or complete tearing of the affected tendon; patients diagnosed with Haglund's syndrome; if shock wave therapy is still ineffective, arthroscopy or small incision surgery can be considered;

Rehabilitation training such as foot and calf muscle strength and stretching can prevent recurrence.

How long does it take to recover and resume normal life and exercise?

Achilles tendinopathy is a chronic injury that usually takes 6 weeks or longer to heal. After shock wave therapy, it is recommended to rest for more than one month before resuming proper exercise. The principle of rehabilitation is to resume normal activities as quickly as possible while ensuring safety and preventing re-injury. Returning to sports too soon may make the injury worse.