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Achilles Tendonitis
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Discomfort typically arises at the rear of the heel, tracing along the Achilles tendon. It often commences as a persistent ache and can escalate into sharper or persistent pain, particularly with increased activity. This condition tends to worsen when engaging in activities like walking or high-impact exercises such as running or dancing.
The underlying cause of Achilles tendonitis is repetitive or intense stress placed on the taut band of tissue connecting the calf muscle to the heel.
Several risk factors heighten the likelihood of developing this condition, including age, biomechanical issues like flat feet or high arches, footwear choices, and training routines. Medications and underlying medical conditions such as psoriasis can also contribute to the condition’s development.
Notably, when Achilles tendonitis is left untreated, it can progress to the point of tendon tears, which may necessitate surgical intervention.
Achilles tendonitis isn’t solely a condition that affects athletes or individuals engaged in intense physical activities
While it’s more common in those who put significant stress on their Achilles tendon, such as runners or dancers, this condition can also affect people with relatively sedentary lifestyles.
Factors like improper footwear, age, and biomechanical issues can contribute to its development, highlighting the need for awareness and preventive measures for a wide range of individuals, not just elite athletes.
Cause
There is 1 cause of callouses: friction!
33%
adult with a primary care saves, over people who only see specialists
How EC Podiatry Treats Achilles Tendonitis
Personal Care To Fit Your Needs
Our team conducts thorough biomechanical assessments and pain evaluations to identify the underlying cause of your discomfort.
We provide expert advice on selecting appropriate footwear and can make necessary modifications to improve your foot health.
If needed, we offer custom orthotics or insoles tailored to your specific requirements for enhanced comfort and support.
We can apply padding, cushioning, and heel raises to your shoes or other wearables as needed to address specific foot issues.
You’ll receive guidance on effective stretching techniques, icing methods, and gait retraining to aid in your recovery and overall foot health.
In cases where it’s beneficial, we may recommend dry needling as a part of your treatment plan to alleviate discomfort and promote healing.
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In Case You Still Have Questions
What can you do if you have Achilles Tendonitis
Gradual Exercise Incorporation: When embarking on a new exercise regimen or resuming your fitness routine after an injury, it’s crucial to start slowly and progressively. Allowing your muscles time to adapt to the demands of your exercise plan can help prevent strain and injury.
Prioritise Rest for Achilles Health: If you notice tenderness or soreness in your Achilles tendon, it’s essential to prioritise rest and avoid high-impact activities that can exacerbate the discomfort. This includes refraining from activities like running on hard surfaces, uphill runs, or stair climbing until your Achilles feels better.
Listen to Your Body: During exercise, it’s vital to stay attuned to your body’s signals. If you experience pain, especially in the Achilles area, it’s advisable to stop the activity and provide your body with the rest it needs to recover.
Shoe Examination: Take a close look at your exercise shoes. Check for signs of significant wear and tear, assess whether they offer adequate cushioning and support, and consider whether they are suitable for your specific foot type. Proper footwear is a key factor in reducing the strain on your Achilles tendon.
Muscle Stretching and Strengthening: Incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises for major muscle groups such as hamstrings, glutes, and calves can play a significant role in maintaining Achilles health. These exercises can enhance flexibility and provide the necessary support to reduce strain on the tendon during physical activities.
By following these guidelines, you can take proactive steps to protect your Achilles tendon, prevent injuries, and promote overall foot health.
What happens in a biomechanical assessment?
A comprehensive evaluation begins with a detailed assessment of your medical history, including your current and past experiences with pain, activity levels, and work history. This allows us to identify any potential causal factors or risk elements that may be contributing to your condition.
Your podiatrist will then proceed to evaluate and meticulously record the quality and range of motion in all your major joints. If necessary, muscle testing will be conducted from the hip down. The objective is to detect any imbalances, abnormalities, inconsistencies, and issues such as postural misalignment and discrepancies in leg length.
In many cases, gait assessments will also be conducted to address any irregularities observed during walking or running, whether barefoot or in your routinely worn shoes.
On occasion, further diagnostic tests such as ultrasound or X-rays may be deemed necessary. If required, the prescription for these tests will be provided during your consultation and will be bulk-billed by the radiologist. For more advanced scans like MRIs, CT Scans, or other invasive procedures, a referral back to your GP or specialist will be arranged.
Please ensure you bring-in the following:
- Appropriate attire would be beneficial such as stretchy clothing, shorts, sports wear preferably no skirts.
- Please bring in regularly worn shoes, old and new. We often assess wear patterns, the amount of wear and the suitability of current shoes.
- Please bring in insoles, off the shelf supports, padding, orthoses and socks or supports that you wear with your shoes.