Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition caused by overstretching or tractioning resulting in inflammation and thickening of the achilles tendon.
Achilles tendonitis can be aggravated by an underlying Biomechanical fault within the foot and often seen as a result of your feet continually rolling inwards placing a mechanical strain over the calf muscle and Achilles tendon, in some cases a boney spur can develop at the back of the heel.
Continued stress and shearing on the Achillles tendon can cause the fibres to partially or totally rupture leading to the formation of a thickened fibrous lump which requires treatment with a combination of manual friction massage to breakdown the scar tissue and Orthotics to control the underlying Biomechanical overstrain.
Walking, running, jumping places greater physical demands on the body than normal daily activities. Whilst running, your feet can absorb 3 times your body weight, it’s no wonder injuries to the lower limb and foot account for a large proportion of sporting injuries.
Treatment for Achilles pain
Initial treatment is helped by icing the tendon and pain relief medication with gentle stretching. If the tendon is becoming thickened and continues to be painful after a number of weeks following your injury, consult a Podiatrist.
- Localised friction massage
- Rehab exercises
- Acupuncture
- Referral to Physiotherapist/Chiropractor
- Orthotics to realign ankle position to take strain off the tendon whilst it heals
