{"id":15639,"date":"2015-04-14T11:00:36","date_gmt":"2015-04-14T11:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ionclinics.com\/blog\/the-achilles-tendon-injuries-and-treatment-with-percutaneous-electrolysis\/"},"modified":"2025-07-23T10:50:46","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T08:50:46","slug":"the-achilles-tendon-injuries-and-treatment-with-percutaneous-electrolysis","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ionclinics.com\/en\/blog\/the-achilles-tendon-injuries-and-treatment-with-percutaneous-electrolysis\/","title":{"rendered":"The Achilles tendon: Injuries and treatment with percutaneous electrolysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Achilles tendon<\/strong>, stretching from the heel bone to the calf muscle, is one of the strongest and longest<\/strong> in the body. It is responsible for the ability to extend the foot and point the toes.<\/p>\n

On average<\/strong> it is around 15 centimetres long<\/strong> and 6.1 mm in thickness<\/strong> in people aged 10-17 years<\/strong>, 6.3mm<\/strong> in people aged 18-30 years<\/strong>, and 6.9 mm<\/strong> in people aged over 30<\/strong>. It tends to be more flexible in women and the young<\/strong>, and is capable of supporting up to 12.5 times body weight<\/strong>.<\/p>\n


\nYet it is one that often suffers from injury<\/a>. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon, typically resolved quickly. When the injury lasts more than a month it may progress to a degeneration of the tendon, considered a tendonosis or tendinopathy. In this instance the tendon loses its organised structure and begins to suffer microscopic tears, further compromising its integrity.<\/p>\n

Common Achilles tendon injuries<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Up to 50% of ex-athletes aged over 45<\/a>, and 10% of sedentary people, experience Achilles tendon injuries. These are usually the result of \u201coveruse\u201d, caused by a sudden increase in repetitive actions involving the Achilles tendon. Physical characteristics, such as over pronation and the use of shoes without adequate stability, can further aggravate the Achilles tendon and lead to injury.<\/p>\n

Injuries to the Achilles tendon are painful and greatly reduce function. In the last few years there has been an increase in the number of ruptures of the Achilles tendons, due to the rise of the \u201cweekend warrior\u201d. These are generally sedentary, middle aged men who engage in vigorous sporting activity only on weekends. Another section of the population with a high incident of Achilles tendon injuries are people aged over 70<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What actions can lead to injury?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

During sport, movements that can lead to Achilles tendon injuries include bursts of activity, such as start\/stop and sprinting. Achilles ruptures can occur when:<\/p>\n