What are common Achilles tendon problems?
The two main problems found in the Achilles tendon are: • Achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy includes one of two conditions: • Tendinitis. This actually means “Inflammation of the tendon,” but inflammation is rarely the cause of tendon pain. • Tendinosis. This refers to tiny tears (microtears) in the tissue in and around the tendon caused by overuse. In most cases Achilles tendon pain is the result of tendinosis, not tendinitis. Some experts now use the term tendinopathy to include both inflammation and microtears. But many doctors may still use the term tendinitis to describe a tendon injury. • Achilles tendon tear or rupture. An Achilles tendon also can partially tear or completely tear (rupture) . A partial tear may cause mild or no symptoms. But a complete rupture causes pain and sudden loss of strength and movement. Problems with the Achilles tendon may seem to happen suddenly, but usually they are the result of many tiny tears to the tendon that have happened over time.
