Foot and ankle pain can make everyday activities more difficult, limiting mobility and interfering with daily routines. Among the common causes of this discomfort are Achilles tendon pain and arthritis – two distinct conditions that require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This article examines their differences and available care options.
Achilles Tendon and Joint Movement
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, transferring force to enable walking, running, and jumping. By absorbing and releasing energy with each step, it supports daily activities and high-impact motions like sprinting or jumping. This tendon endures significant stress, making it prone to inflammation, microtears, and injuries, particularly when overused or improperly conditioned.
Key Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Pain and Arthritis
Both Achilles tendon pain and arthritis cause discomfort, but their symptoms and affected areas differ in notable ways.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Pain
Heel and ankle pain: Pain or stiffness localised at the back of the heel, often more pronounced in the morning or after physical activity.
Swelling and tenderness: Noticeable inflammation around the tendon with sensitivity to touch.
Activity-related discomfort: Pain that intensifies during walking, running, or climbing stairs.
Severe injury signs: A snapping sensation or inability to push off the foot, indicating potential tendon rupture.
Symptoms of Arthritis
Joint pain and stiffness: Persistent discomfort in the ankle, subtalar, or midfoot joints, especially after periods of rest.
Swelling and deformity: Visible swelling around the joints and, in advanced cases, changes in joint structure or alignment.
Restricted movement: Difficulty bending or moving affected joints, often accompanied by chronic pain during weight-bearing activities.
Prolonged inactivity effects: Increased stiffness or discomfort after extended periods of rest, such as in the morning.
Differentiating Achilles Tendon Pain from Arthritis
Although Achilles tendon pain and arthritis can both cause discomfort in the foot and ankle, they differ significantly in their location, nature of pain, swelling patterns, and impact on movement.
Pain Location
Achilles tendon pain is localised to the back of the heel and lower calf, where the tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Arthritis typically affects the joints within the ankle, subtalar, or midfoot regions, causing discomfort that may spread across a broader area depending on the joints involved.
Pain Characteristics
Achilles tendon pain is often described as sharp, burning, or stabbing, especially during activities such as walking or running. It may intensify during movement or after extended use of the tendon.
Arthritis pain tends to be dull and persistent, often worsening after periods of rest or prolonged weight-bearing activities. This difference can provide a clue about whether the source of discomfort is tendon-related or joint-related.
Swelling and Stiffness
Swelling in Achilles tendon pain is usually concentrated near the tendon itself, accompanied by stiffness in the surrounding area. This stiffness may be most noticeable in the morning or after strenuous activities.
Arthritis-related swelling, however, involves the entire joint and is often accompanied by stiffness that may limit movement significantly, especially after prolonged inactivity.
Impact on Movement
Achilles tendon injuries primarily affect specific movements, such as climbing stairs, pushing off the foot, or engaging in high-impact activities like running or jumping. These limitations arise from the tendon’s involvement in transferring force during motion.
Arthritis impacts overall joint flexibility, making everyday tasks like walking, standing for extended periods, or balancing more challenging due to joint inflammation and reduced cartilage cushioning.
Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Pain and Arthritis
Accurate diagnosis helps pinpoint the condition and guide effective treatment.
General Diagnostic Techniques
Doctors evaluate foot and ankle pain using a combination of physical examinations and imaging tests. These tests assess swelling, tenderness, and range of motion, while X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs provide detailed images to identify damage to tendons, ligaments, or cartilage.
Achilles Tendon Pain Diagnosis
Diagnosing Achilles tendon pain focuses on identifying inflammation, microtears, or tendon degeneration. Functional tests assess the strength and flexibility of the Achilles tendon and calf muscles while imaging such as ultrasound or MRI highlights structural abnormalities or partial tears.
Arthritis Diagnosis
Arthritis diagnosis involves imaging techniques, including X-rays or MRIs, to detect cartilage loss, joint deformities, or narrowed joint spaces. Inflammatory or autoimmune forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may require blood tests to identify specific markers associated with systemic conditions.
Treatment Options
Treatment for Achilles Tendon Pain
Managing Achilles tendon pain often begins with conservative approaches. Rest, ice, and compression reduce inflammation and promote healing while stretching and strengthening exercises rebuild tendon resilience.
Orthotic devices, such as heel lifts, help relieve strain during movement. In more severe cases, treatments like corticosteroid injections or surgical repair may be necessary.
Treatment for Arthritis
Arthritis treatment combines symptom management and joint preservation. Medications, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alleviate pain and reduce swelling.
Physical therapy supports joint flexibility and mobility, while lifestyle changes, such as weight management, help reduce joint stress. In severe cases, joint injections or surgical procedures, such as joint fusion or replacement, may be required to restore function and alleviate discomfort.
Prevention of Achilles Tendon Pain and Arthritis
Taking preventative steps can help lower the risk of developing these conditions and protect foot and ankle health over the long term.
General Prevention Tips
Gradually increase activity levels to avoid overuse injuries and wear supportive footwear to cushion your feet during movement. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces the strain on both tendons and joints, while addressing minor injuries early can prevent complications.
Prevention of Achilles Tendon Pain
Incorporate calf stretches and strengthening exercises into your routine to improve tendon flexibility and resilience. Avoid overtraining and allow adequate recovery time between high-impact activities to prevent strain and overuse injuries.
Prevention of Arthritis
Low-impact activities, such as swimming or cycling, promote joint mobility without putting excessive stress on the joints. Adopting ergonomic practices and minimising repetitive joint movements in daily tasks can also help maintain joint health.
Conclusion
Achilles tendon pain and arthritis differ in their causes, symptoms, and treatments. Achilles tendon pain often stems from overuse or injury, while arthritis involves joint inflammation and structural changes. Proper diagnosis and tailored treatment approaches can relieve discomfort and restore mobility.
If foot or ankle pain is limiting your daily activities, book a consultation today to discover tailored treatment options and restore your mobility.
