Achilles Injuries
Achilles Tendonitis
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include
- Pain in the back of the heel
- Problems walking and rising from a resting position
- Swelling, throbbing and pain in the Achilles tendon
Causes of Achilles tendonitis
- Overuse injury – often occurring in runners and athletes.
- Arthritis – achilles tendonitis often occurs with inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
- Foot mechanics – poor lower limb mechanics such as high arches or flat feet can lead to overloading of the tendon.
- Footwear – incorrect footwear for the activity you are participating in. High heels can cause tightening of the Achilles over time if worn regularly.
- Obesity – weight can strain many parts of the body including joints and tendons.
Treatment
- Initially resting and avoiding activities that aggravate the problem
- Changing footwear for supportive shoes
- Wearing orthotics from your podiatrist to correct foot mechanics
- Applying ice packs every 20 minutes per hour in the acute stage and heat application if it’s a chronic issue
- Shockwave Treatment
- Acupuncture and stretches to reduce tightness in the calf
- Occasionally cortisone injections may be required
- In severe cases a surgical boot may be required for a number of weeks