What causes short Achilles tendon?

A short Achilles tendon can be caused by a variety of factors, both congenital and acquired. In simple terms, a short Achilles tendon is when the Achilles tendon is not long enough, resulting in limited foot movement or abnormal foot posture. It can affect our daily walking, running, and even standing. For some people, a short Achilles tendon may be congenital, while for others, it may be caused by trauma, disease, or long-term poor posture habits.

In life, we often see some people whose heels cannot fully touch the ground when they walk. This may be one of the manifestations of a short Achilles tendon. A short Achilles tendon can cause tightness in the calf muscles and affect the normal function of the foot. For athletes or people who often engage in strenuous exercise, a short Achilles tendon may increase the risk of injury, such as Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendon rupture. It is very important to pay attention to and deal with the problem of short Achilles tendon in a timely manner.

If you suspect you have a short Achilles tendon, you can make a preliminary diagnosis by doing some simple tests. For example, try to see if your heels can touch the ground completely when you stand, or if you feel tightness in the back of your calves when you walk. If you have these conditions, it is recommended to consult a professional doctor or physical therapist. They can help you understand the specific situation through detailed examination and evaluation, and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Treatment for a short Achilles tendon usually includes physical therapy, stretching exercises, and in some cases, surgery. A physical therapist may recommend specific stretching and strengthening exercises to help increase the flexibility and length of the Achilles tendon. These exercises usually need to be continued over a period of time to be effective. In the meantime, wearing properly fitting shoes and using orthotics can also provide extra support in daily life.

Although short Achilles tendons may cause some inconvenience in life, with proper treatment and self-management, most people can effectively improve their symptoms and restore normal mobility. If you have related troubles, seeking professional help as soon as possible is the key to improving the situation. I hope this information can help you better understand the problem of short Achilles tendons and take appropriate measures to deal with it.