Achilles Tendinitis/Tendinosis

Achilles tendinopathy is characterized by pain and tenderness of Achilles region (at the back of the heel and ankle).  It is most frequently caused by too much repetitive stress or high force on the Achilles tendon. Tendonitis means inflammation of the tendon, and tendinosis refers to tiny tears in the tissue in around the tendon caused by overuse.  This condition commonly occurs in runners and participants in recreational or competitive physical activities.  Both the gastrocnemius (muscle that originates above the knee joint) and the soleus (originates below the knee joint) form the calf muscle and insert into the heel bone via the Achilles.

Symptoms include:

Pain, swelling, stiffness

Aggravating Factors:

• Hill running
• Poor footwear
• Increase in activity, (and/or decrease in recovery)
• Poor biomechanics (over pronated feet)
• Poor flexibility (tight hamstrings and calf muscles)

Assessment – The podiatrists at toe-tal will diagnose the condition through a biomechanical assessment (and range of motion to determine any muscle tightness) and go through all the necessary treatments listed below to help get you on the right path.  It is important to follow a rehabilitation program so your injury doesn’t reoccur.

Treatment:

1. REST until all pain has resolved (could become permanent damage) – talk to Podiatrist about when you can return to activity (will be gradual and initially activity may be modified)
2. Apply ICE over the painful area for 15 minutes per day
3. Compression
4. Elevation
5. Soft tissue massage
6. Stretching program and strengthening exercises (important to continue prior to activity)
7. Exercise and training program modification
8. Heel raises and supportive strapping (if required) in footwear to offload and reduce strain on the tendon
9. Correct biomechanics
10. Footwear advise/modification – (talk to the podiatrist at toe-tal about what footwear suits your foot best)
11. Orthotic therapy