Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury causing pain, inflammation, and or degeneration of the Achilles’ tendon at the back of the ankle.

The Achilles’ tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone (or calcaneus). This tendon is used when walking, running, or jumping. Excessive walking or exercise can commonly cause Achilles tendonitis.

Causes:

👣 Exercising without a proper warm up

👣 Sudden increase in activity without an adjusted increased training program

👣 Playing sports that require sudden changes of direction and quick stops

👣 Strained calf muscles from repeated exercise

👣 Wearing poor fitting footwear

👣 Wearing high heels daily for long durations

👣 Poor biomechanics

👣 Training uphill or treadmill running

Symptoms:

👣 Pain and stiffness of Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle

👣 May have some swelling and thickening around the tendon

👣 Tight calf muscles

Treatment:

👣 Follow the POLICE protocol:

Protection- Rest for the first few days following injury , however, you should then begin gentle motions to maintain movement and avoid a decrsed muscle strength and flexibility. You may require assistive devices at this time, for example crutches.

Optimal Loading- Whilst protecting the effected area, gentle movement should be started to help promote optimal healing of the inury and prevent delay in returning to normal activities.

Ice- Apply ice to help manage swelling. Ice can also help decrease some acute pain.

Compression- Compression bandaging will help reduce swelling as a result of the inflammatory process.

Elevation- Elevating the foot above heart level will help reduce swelling by allowing fluid to drain from the area.

👣 Gentle exercise

👣 Switch activities to less strenuous sport

👣 Add heel raises to shoes

What can Podiatrists do:

👣 Gait analysis

👣 Orthotic prescription

👣 Exercise program