Treatment and Management of Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is a common condition that affects the Achilles tendon, which is the largest tendon in the body. It is the tendon which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Inflammation of this tendon is the result of overuse, leading to what we call tendinitis. Tendinitis can be painful and limiting to activities such as walking, running or sports. Physical Therapists are experts in looking at root causes of this condition and addressing why your body is overusing the tendon, then creating a treatment plan to address the contributing factors.
If you’re wondering if this is the condition ailing you, here is some information to self-assess: Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis
- Pain and tenderness in this e back of the ankle and along the tendon • Stiffness and swelling in the affected area
- Limited range of motion in the ankle • Weakness in the calf muscle or pain with walking/running Causes of Achilles Tendinitis
- Overuse or repetitive strain on the tendon, such as from running, jumping, or playing sports
- Sudden increase in physical activity or training • Poorly fitting shoes or wearing worn-out shoes
Flat feet or high arches Treatment of Achilles Tendinitis
- Modify your activities: Taking a break from the physical activities contributing to your symptoms can give your body an opportunity to heal
- Physical Therapy: a personalized prescription of stretching and strengthening exercises prescribed by a physiotherapist can help improve flexibility and reduce the strain on the tendon.
- Orthotics: Your physical therapist will be able to assess your body’s shape and mechanics then advise if shoe inserts may help correct any foot problems that may be contributing to the condition.
Prevention of Achilles Tendinitis
- Gradually Increase Physical Activity: Avoid suddenly increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity.
- Wear Proper Footwear: Make sure your shoes fit well and provide adequate support for your feet.
- Stretch and Strengthen: Regular stretching and strengthening exercises can help prevent overuse injuries.
If you are experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendinitis, it is important to seek treatment from a physiotherapist to avoid progression of the injury to a chronic condition. In-home physiotherapy allows us to see you in your usual environment, doing your usual activities around the house or observe your exercise routine. This allows us to greatly personalize and streamline your treatment plan. We strive to provide the best quality of physiotherapy at home, offering a combination of exercise prescription and manual therapy to both, reduce pain and optimize function.
