Chronic Achilles tendon pain?
Chronic pain and swelling in the Achilles tendon occurs in two locations: • A lump in the substance of the tendon two to six centimetres above its insertion into the heel bone (non-insertional tendinosis). This pain occurs because of age related changes, which cause the tendon to swell and degenerate. This may be associated with a partial rupture of the tendon. Partial ruptures do not necessarily need surgery, or rest. Sometimes continued stretching is the best option. • Pain at the point of insertion of the tendon onto the heel bone (insertional tendinitis). This is often associated with a hard, bony lump on the point of the heel. This lump of bone is known as a Haglund’s deformity. The pain is often most severe on rising in the morning and usually worsens with walking and running. In more severe cases it may occur at rest. Over time, as the symptoms worsen, the pain occurs after less and less activity. The symptoms may start acutely, with symptoms building up over a couple of weeks.
