How does it happen:
Achilles tendonitis and ruptures occur when an excess load is placed on an already unhealthy tendon. Plantar Fasciitis develops when excess stress is placed on the Plantar Fascia. Both conditions arise, at least partially, from muscle weakness and inflexibility.
How to prevent:
Avoid rapidly increasing activity without adequate conditioning, and routinely stretch the calf and foot muscles.
How to identify the condition:
Achilles tendon disorders are identified by pain and swelling along the Achilles tendon, or in the back of the ankle or heel. Plantar fasciitis is marked by heel pain upon waking or getting up from a chair.
How to treat:
Achilles tendon ruptures require immediate medical attention. Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are best treated with a short period of rest followed with active stretching of the calf and foot muscles. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory medication, splints, casts, boots, and heel lifts can temporarily alleviate these conditions while therapy attempts to correct the mechanical disorders that lead to the condition.
When to expect surgery:
With Achilles tendon ruptures, surgery is strongly considered from the early stages. 90% Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis will resolve with non-surgical treatment. These conditions tend to linger and may take more than 6 months to resolve.