Frequent heel pain after hiking - Achilles Tendon Peritendinitis
Causes:
Since the SARS epidemic, many people have started to pay attention to their health and gradually developed the habit of exercising. This is inherently a good thing, but some people suffer from heel pain and develop "Achilles Tendon Peritendinitis" due to frequent running and hiking.
"Achilles Tendon Peritendinitis" is mostly caused by trauma, or strenuous activities such as running or jumping, which forcefully stretch the Achilles tendon tissue (including fat, fascia, and tendon bursa). This leads to compression and friction of the bursae in front of and behind the Achilles tendon, causing inflammation. It can also be caused by prolonged standing, working, or walking, leading to inflammation and symptoms such as pain and swelling due to strain on the heel.
Clinical Presentation:
Patients have a history of strenuous exercise, trauma, or strain, or prolonged walking or standing, leading to heel pain and swelling. The pain usually worsens after exercise. Palpation of the Achilles tendon knot will reveal significant tenderness. After exercise, the calf muscles become very tight and stiff, leading to insufficient elasticity and flexibility. As the Achilles tendon is attached to the periosteum of the heel, long-term tension and friction can easily cause the heel to protrude and form inflammation. Patients should do more stretching and warm-up exercises, or frequent swimming can also help relax the calf muscles; soaking in hot water can accelerate blood circulation and relieve calf stiffness.
If the stiffness of the calf cannot be relieved, it can easily lead to chronic inflammation, where every subsequent exercise causes another flare-up, making the affected area more swollen and painful. Professional athletes suffering from this condition may require surgery. The famous Chinese hurdler Liu Xiang also suffered from this condition.
Treatment:
Acupuncture at specific points yields the best results, supplemented by external application of dit da swelling-reducing ointment, and internal administration of blood-activating and stasis-removing pain relievers and spleen-strengthening and liver-soothing pills.
Warm Reminder:
Apply heat compresses frequently, rest adequately, stretch regularly, and swim. Avoid shrimp, crab, alcohol, and spicy foods. Use a wrist brace to stabilize the affected area.
Source: "The Complete Book of Pain" by Zhang Yong
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