Achilles tendinitis is tendinitis of the Achilles tendon, generally precipitated by overuse of the affected limb and is more common among athletes training under less than ideal conditions. It should not be confused with xanthoma of the tendon, which is the accumulation of cholesterol in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia.
The Achilles tendon does not have good blood supply or cell activity, so this injury can be slow to heal.
The tendon receives nutrients from the tendon sheath or paratendon.When an injury occurs to the tendon, cells from surrounding structures migrate into the tendon to assist in repair.
Some of these cells come from blood vessels that enter the tendon to provide direct blood flow to increase healing.
With the blood vessels come nerve fibers.Researchers believe these nerve fibers to be the cause of the pain.
Prevention includes following appropriate exercise habits and wearing low-heeled shoes. A physical therapist or athletic trainer can prescribe safe exercise methods.