Conditions named after Greek mythological figures - Achilles tendinitis
The name "Achilles tendon" comes from the Greek mythological figure Achilles, whose mother wanted him to be invulnerable. She dipped him into the River Styx when he was an infant, holding him by his heel. This meant his heel was the only part of his body not touched by the water, making it his sole vulnerability. Later, during the Trojan War, Achilles was fatally wounded by an arrow to his heel. Therefore, this strongest tendon in the human body was named after him.
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Causes
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. The gastrocnemius and soleus muscles merge near the ankle to form the Achilles tendon. Therefore, bending the lower leg and moving the foot are all related to the Achilles tendon. Because the Achilles tendon lifts the heel bone during everyday movement and jumping, bearing the body's entire weight, the speed and force of each pull on the Achilles tendon are very great.
Due to the repetitive stress on this tendon, the most common causes of injury are overuse and degenerative aging.
Symptoms
Typically, this tendon feels stiff and painful upon waking in the morning, and the degree of pain is proportional to activity level. Sometimes, walking for a while can alleviate the condition, but overall, the more active you are, the more pain you will experience. The Achilles tendon may also become thicker, red, swollen, and tender when gently pressed on both sides.
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Impact
Because this area is used frequently, once injured, it requires a longer recovery time. An injured Achilles tendon means the tendon has lost its normal elasticity and韧性, leading to a sensation of a "snapped tendon" during walking, running, or jumping. Long-term lack of proper treatment can also lead to the development of bone spurs.
Prevention
Develop an exercise plan that allows your body to progress gradually, preventing rapid changes in muscle fascia due to sudden stress. If you feel tightness in your calf muscles during exercise, do not increase the intensity or weight of your workout.
Rest adequately. If you occasionally feel tightness and pain in the back of your calf, you should reduce activities that strain the Achilles tendon, at least avoiding high-impact exercises like long-distance running or street dancing.
Choose appropriate footwear. Make sure the back of your shoes doesn't cause friction. You can also add heel pads to relieve pressure on the heel.
Stretch your calves appropriately, especially after exercise. Timely relaxation of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon prevents the back of the calf from becoming increasingly tight and inflamed.
For related products, please refer to: Rock Medical Body Support
*The above does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment for general conditions or any individual or patient cases, nor should it replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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Published: January 9, 2023. If you would like to receive free health information regularly, please subscribe to us.
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