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Home > Health > What is the Difference Between Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis?

Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis?

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The main differences between Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis are:

  1. Location of pain: Achilles tendonitis causes pain at the back of the heel, which tends to worsen during activity. Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottom of the heel, particularly in the morning, and the pain tends to improve with activity.
  2. Causes: Achilles tendonitis is a result of strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick, ribbon-like structure that runs from the bottom of the heel towards the bases of the toes.
  3. Symptoms: Achilles tendonitis symptoms include pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, either where it attaches to the back of the heel bone or along the length of the tendon. Plantar fasciitis symptoms include sharp pain in the bottom of the foot or heel with first steps in the morning, which decreases throughout the day as you walk and/or stretch.

Treatment for both conditions often involves at-home stretching, icing the area, over-the-counter medications, and decreasing activity that causes pain. However, the specific treatments for each condition may differ, making it essential to consult a medical professional for a proper diagnosis and tailored treatment plan.

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  • What is the Difference Between Achilles Tendonitis and Plantar Fasciitis?
  • Comparative Table: Achilles Tendonitis vs Plantar Fasciitis

    • Comparative Table: Achilles Tendonitis vs Plantar Fasciitis

    Here is a table comparing the differences between Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis:

    Feature Achilles Tendonitis Plantar Fasciitis
    Pain Location Back of the heel Bottom of the heel
    Pain Timing Pain tends to worsen during the day Pain is sharp on the first steps in the morning and decreases throughout the day with walking or stretching
    Causes Strain on the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone Irritation and inflammation of the plantar fascia, a band of tissue on the bottom of the foot that connects the toes to the heel bone
    Treatment Treatment may include at-home stretching, icing the area, over-the-counter medications like Advil, and decreasing activity that causes pain Treatment may include at-home stretching, icing the area, over-the-counter medications like Advil, and decreasing activity that causes pain

    It is possible to have both Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis at the same time, in which case you would need to adapt your rehab according to which of the two conditions is the most flared.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.