M76.6

Clinical Causes: Repetitive or intense physical activity, particularly activities involving running or jumping Sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration Inadequate warm-up before activity Poor footwear that fails to support the ankle and heel Being overweight, adding extra stress on the Achilles tendon Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon Biomechanical issues such as flat feet or overpronation Previous injuries or improper training techniques

Key Symptoms: Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel and ankle, especially with activity or in the morning Tenderness or swelling in the Achilles tendon area Increased pain after prolonged activity or at the start of activity, which may improve with continued movement A feeling of warmth or crepitus (a crackling sensation) around the tendon Limited range of motion in the ankle Difficulty walking or pushing off the ball of the foot during walking or running

Diagnosis Path: Palpate the Achilles tendon to check for tenderness and swelling Assess the range of motion and strength of the ankle Evaluate gait and foot biomechanics Request imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm inflammation, tendon thickening, or to rule out Achilles rupture

Treatment Protocols: Rest and activity modification to prevent aggravation of symptoms Ice application to reduce inflammation and swelling Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf muscles and Achilles tendon Physical therapy to improve flexibility, strength, and biomechanics Using heel lifts or orthotic devices to reduce strain on the tendon Gradual return to activity guided by healthcare professionals In severe or chronic cases, other interventions such as corticosteroid injections or, rarely, surgical repair may be considered