The Truth About Achilles
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ROSEMONT, Ill.,
May 13, 2004-- Moviegoers will enjoy Brad Pitt's
performance as Achilles in the opening of the film
TROY this weekend and may wonder about the myth behind
the fierce Greek warrior, vulnerable at his heel, and
our connection to him today, through our Achilles
tendon. Are we really vulnerable at the heel? |
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"Achilles Heal", what it is
and how to recognize it
Orthopaedic Surgeons
Tell Us if We're Really
Vulnerable at the Heel
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According to mythology, Achilles was the bravest soldier in
the Trojan War. When he was born, his mother tried to make him
immortal by dipping him in the River Styx, holding him by the
heel as she immersed him. Forgetting to change hands and dip
him again, Achilles was untouched by the magic water at his
heel, leaving him vulnerable. Today, we refer to any weakness
as an "Achilles Heel," and we also call the strong band of
tissue connecting the heel to the calf muscles the "Achilles
tendon." Logically, you may wonder if this is a weak area in
our musculoskeletal structure today, what kind of injuries we
are prone to in this area, and what we can do to help protect
ourselves from experiencing a modern-day "Achilles Heel."
Actually, the Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the
human body and can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more.
But it is also the most frequently ruptured. Both athletes and
active adults can suffer from Achilles tendinitis, a common
overuse injury and an inflammation of the tendon.
A number of events may trigger an attack of Achilles
tendinitis, including: rapidly increasing your running mileage
or speed; adding hill running or stair climbing to your
training routine; starting up too quickly after a layoff;
sudden or hard contraction of the calf muscles; and overuse of
inflexible calf muscles.
Symptoms of
Achilles tendinitis may include:
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Mild pain after exercise or
running that gradually worsens
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A noticeable sense of sluggishness
in your leg
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Episodes of diffuse or localized
pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours
after running
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Morning tenderness about an inch
and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon is
attached to the heel bone
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Stiffness that generally
diminishes as the tendon warms up with use
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Local swelling
"Because several
conditions such as a partial tendon tear and heel bursitis
have similar symptoms, you need to see your orthopaedic
surgeon for a proper diagnosis," explained John Purvis, MD,
orthopaedic surgeon. "Treatment depends on the degree of
injury to the tendon, but usually involves rest,
anti-inflammatory medication, orthoses (braces) to support the
muscle and relieve stress on the tendon, bandages to restrict
motion of the tendon, stretching, and exercises to strengthen
the muscle group in front of the leg. Surgery is usually an
option of last resort."
For additional information on Achilles tendon injuries, visit
the American
Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons' website
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