Definition- Injury to the Achilles’ tendon or its adjoining muscle or bone. These three parts comprise  a unit.  The strain occurs at the weakest point of the unit.  There are 3 types of strains:
 

•  Mild (Grade 1)- Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle fibers or  tendons.  No loss of strength.
• Moderate (Grade 2)-  Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to the bone.  Strength is diminished.
• Severe (Grade 3)-  Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone attachment (unit) with separation of fibers.  Severe strains require surgical repair.

• Achilles’ tendon
• Muscle attached to the Achilles’ tendon
• Heel bone
• Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (bone covering), blood vessels, and lymph vessels.

• Pain when flexing or extending foot
• Muscle spasm at rear of the calf muscle
• Swelling around the Achilles’ tendon
• Loss of strength
• Crepitation (“crackling”) feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers
• Inflammation of the sheath covering the Achilles’ tendon.

• Prolonged overuse of the muscle-tendon units in the ankle
• Single episode of stressful overactivity, as in hurdling, long jumping, high-jumping, or starting a sprint.

• Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before competition
• Tape the Achilles’ tendon area before competition
• Wear proper shoes

• Prolonged healing time if the activity is resumed too soon
• Proneness to repeated injury
• Unstable or arthritic ankle following repeated injury
• Prolonged disability

Medication:  For minor discomfort, you may use: Aspirin or ibuprofen,
and topical ointments.

Rehabilitation:  Begin daily rehab exercises when supportive wrapping is no longer needed.  Resume normal activity after pain has subsided.