Achilles Tendonitis

What is it?

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It often occurs in athletes or people who engage in repetitive activities like running or jumping.

What are the symptoms?

Pain and tenderness along the Achilles tendon
Swelling around the tendon
Stiffness, particularly in the morning
Pain worsens with activity or exercise
Limited mobility in the ankle

What else could it be? (Differential diagnosis)

Plantar fasciitis
Heel spurs
Bursitis
Tendon rupture
Calcaneal stress fractures

What are the aggravating factors?

Repetitive high-impact activities (running, jumping)
Overuse without adequate rest
Tight calf muscles
Improper footwear or footwear that doesn’t support the arch
Overtraining or sudden increase in intensity of exercise

What types of food are helpful?

Increase intake of foods rich in collagen (chicken, fish, bone broth) to support tendon repair.
Omega-3 fatty acids (salmon, walnuts, flaxseeds) to reduce inflammation.
High-protein foods for muscle repair (lean meats, tofu, eggs).
Vitamin C-rich foods (oranges, strawberries, bell peppers) to support collagen formation.
Antioxidant-rich foods like berries to help with tissue repair.

Sample Recipe:

Anti-Inflammatory Salmon and Veggie Stir-Fry

Ingredients: 4 oz salmon, broccoli, bell peppers, spinach, olive oil, garlic, turmeric, ginger.
Directions: Sauté garlic, turmeric, and ginger in olive oil. Add veggies and cook until tender. Add salmon and stir-fry until cooked through.

What are the traditional treatments?

Rest and reduced activity
Ice application to reduce swelling
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief
Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
Physical therapy
In severe cases, corticosteroid injections or surgery may be considered.

What are the natural and alternative treatments?

Turmeric and Ginger: These have strong anti-inflammatory properties, and some studies suggest they may reduce pain and swelling in tendonitis.
Massage therapy and Acupuncture: Some studies indicate these can help reduce pain and promote healing of soft tissue injuries like Achilles tendonitis.