Heel pain after hiking Achilles tendonitis
Causes:
Since the SARS epidemic, many people have started to pay more attention to their health and gradually developed the habit of exercising. This is a good thing, but some people have developed Achilles tendonitis due to frequent running and hiking, causing heel pain.
Achilles tendonitis is mostly caused by trauma or strenuous running, jumping, etc., which causes the Achilles tendon tissue (including fat, aponeurosis, and subtendinous bursa) to be strongly stretched, resulting in inflammation of the bursa in front and behind the Achilles tendon due to pressure and friction. It may also be caused by prolonged standing, working or walking, which can cause inflammation of the heel due to pressure and strain, resulting in symptoms such as pain and swelling.
Clinical manifestations:
The patient has a history of strenuous exercise, injury, or overuse, or experiences heel pain and swelling due to prolonged walking or standing. The pain typically worsens after exercise, and there is significant tenderness upon palpation of the Achilles tendon. Because the calf muscles become very firm and stiff after exercise, resulting in insufficient elasticity and flexibility, and the Achilles tendon, attached to the periosteum of the heel, is easily stretched and rubbed over time, leading to a lump and inflammation in the heel area. The patient should perform more stretching and warm-up exercises, or swim regularly to help relax the calf muscles; soaking in hot water can accelerate blood circulation and relieve calf stiffness.
If calf stiffness is not relieved, it can easily lead to chronic inflammation. Each time you exercise, the inflammation will recur, causing the affected area to become more swollen and painful. Professional athletes may need surgery if they develop this condition. The famous Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang also suffered from this condition.
Treatment methods:
Acupuncture at specific acupoints yields the best results, followed by external application of a liniment for reducing swelling and bruises, and internal administration of a blood-activating, stasis-removing, and pain-relieving pill, as well as a spleen-strengthening and liver-soothing pill.
Kind tips:
Apply heat regularly, get plenty of rest, stretch, and swim. Avoid shrimp, crab, alcohol, and spicy foods. Use a wrist brace to immobilize the affected area.
Source: *The Complete Book of Pain* by Zhang Yong
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