The Achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in our body. Connecting the calf muscle to the calcaneus, it plays an essential role in all activities involving walking, running, and jumping. However, excessive or inappropriate use can easily cause damage. Achilles tendinitis, characterized by pain, swelling, and stiffness, starts as mild discomfort at first; if left untreated, the tendon thickens or undergoes degenerative changes, which can lead to chronic pain or, in severe cases, Achilles tendon rupture.
In modern medicine, Achilles tendinitis can be broadly divided into two forms. The first is tenosynovitis, where inflammation occurs in the tendon sheath surrounding the tendon; the second is tendinosis, where microdamage and degenerative changes take place within the tendon itself. Inflammatory reactions predominate in early stages, but as it progresses into a chronic state, degenerative changes become more prominent, such as collagen fibers rearranging irregularly and blood flow decreasing. This often develops into a complex issue that is difficult to resolve with simple anti-inflammatory treatment alone.
Why does this Achilles tendinitis occur? The most common cause is excessive exercise or a sudden increase in workout volume. Running excessively, uphill and downhill workouts, and jumping exercises place repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon. Structural foot issues such as flatfoot or pes cavus, wearing uncomfortable shoes, and inadequate stretching can also serve as risk factors.
Yet it does not end there. Simply looking at the ankle alone is often insufficient. Just as Donguibogam highlighted the importance of the liver and kidney, modern medicine also pays close attention to our body's organic interconnectedness. For example, a chronic inflammation reaction or autonomic nervous system imbalance within the body can impair the recovery capacity of a specific area. Sleep deprivation or stress raises cortisol levels, further promoting inflammation and impeding blood circulation, which hinders adequate nutrient and oxygen supply to the tendon. Much like Donguibogam stating that the liver governs blood and the kidney stores essence, modern medicine similarly underscores the importance of blood circulation and systemic resilience.
In particular, growth hormone and collagen play very important roles in tendon health. Growth hormone, secreted during deep sleep at night, plays a key role in regenerating and repairing damaged tissues. Additionally, collagen, the main component of tendons, gradually decreases and denatures with age, diminishing tendon elasticity and rendering it vulnerable to injury. Recovery capacity of tendons may also decline with advanced age or chronic disease such as diabetes, requiring even greater caution.
In conclusion, it is important to understand that Achilles tendinitis is not merely caused by overusing the ankle, but frequently arises from intertwined, multifaceted factors of our overall health, such as blood circulation, nutritional status, hormonal balance, and stress management. Therefore, if you are suffering from ankle pain, you need the wisdom to reflect on whole-body health rather than simply resting.
