[Click! Health] The Body's Weak Spot 'Achilles Tendon', Don't Ignore Inflammation

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Young-won] In dramas or movies, the term "Achilles tendon" is used to refer to a "fatal weakness." In ancient Greek mythology, the sea goddess Thetis dipped her son Achilles into the River Styx, which flows through the underworld, to make him immortal. However, the ankle area she held onto with her hand did not get submerged, and that spot became the only place where Achilles could be wounded, his weakness.

The tendon located in the ankle area that Thetis held when dipping her son into the water is the Achilles tendon. Since the Achilles tendon directly affects every movement of our foot stepping forward, any damage to it can cause difficulties even in everyday walking. Thus, the Achilles tendon is a very important part of our body but is also exposed externally, making it vulnerable to injury and potentially a fatal weakness.

Recently, it has become common, especially among young people, to shape their bodies through various exercises such as tennis, golf, rock climbing, hiking, and running. However, excessive exercise can lead to injuries. Particularly, in sports with high physical demands and risks like tennis and rock climbing, frequent rapid twisting of the body or jumping down from high places can cause damage to the Achilles tendon.

A representative symptom is Achilles tendinitis. If pain and heat appear behind the ankle or near the heel, accompanied by swelling and redness of the skin in that area, Achilles tendinitis can be suspected. The pain intensifies when touched directly, and stiffness may be felt when standing on tiptoe or jumping. Achilles tendinitis is commonly found in people who move their feet a lot in daily life. It can also occur in people with low physical activity or obesity because body weight puts stress on the Achilles tendon.

In the early stages of Achilles tendinitis, conservative treatment for correction is first carried out. Typical methods include medication to control inflammation combined with stretching and strength exercises. However, if symptoms do not improve despite consistent conservative and non-surgical treatment for more than six months, methods such as minimally invasive incision and multiple suturing may be necessary to reduce the risk of re-rupture.

Experts emphasize that Achilles tendinitis requires a long treatment period and can worsen rapidly if neglected, so it should not be dismissed as a simple inflammatory disease. Dr. Yoo Jong-min, director of Yonsei Geonwoo Hospital, explained, "The most dangerous aspect is that prolonged inflammation can cause the tendon itself to rupture," adding, "If quick action is not taken after rupture, the damaged area will widen over time, and eventually, even suturing may become difficult." Dr. Yoo also added, "It is most important to quickly identify the problem and rest the area when there is slight pain in the affected part, then receive treatment."