Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Achilles tendonitis is a condition when the Achilles tendon of the foot or it’s covering tissue becomes inflamed. It is caused due to overuse of the tendon and is common among jumpers and joggers as these activities require repetitive motions & high jumps.
Achilles tendon injuries usually happen with activities such as running, jumping and sprinting. Achilles tendon injuries are one of the most common causes of ankle pain. If not as a direct result of sport-related injury, Achilles tendonitis is usually a result of the wear and tear of Achilles tendon over a period of time. It could also happen as a result of the calf muscle or lower extremity weakness. It can happen all of a sudden or gradually when the tendons become weak or there is an ankle or foot alignment problem.
Some of the common symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include
- Stiffness, pain, and strength loss in the affected part of the ankle
- Pain worsens when Achilles tendon is used
- Stiffness and pain increase at night
- The affected area may be warm, red, swollen or tender
- A crunchy sound may be heard when the tendon is used
Physiotherapists treat Achilles tendonitis by utilizing several techniques to restore tendon motion, resting muscle tensions, neural tissue mobility, tissue flexibility, muscle length, and neural tissue mobility.
What is the best treatment for Achilles Tendonitis?
- Reducing physical activities that are aggravating the condition
- Pain & anti-inflammatory medication
- Joint mobilization
- Massage therapy
- Orthotics to address foot/ankle biomechanics
- Surgery is very chronic and severe cases
How long does Achilles Tendonitis take to heal?
Depending on the severity of the tendonitis, how early the treatment start and how compliant the patient is with treatment, it may take between 3-8 weeks.
What Exercises help Achilles Tendonitis?
A sports physiotherapist usually assists with a treatment program including exercises for Achilles Tendonitis. Exercises typically involve stretching and calf, knee and hip muscle strengthening. The exercises with progress from eccentrics and isometrics to weight-bearing exercises and depending on the sports activities, they will include polymetrics and sprinting routines.
Physiotherapy for Achilles Tendonitis by Physiomobility
At Physiomobility, we have a team of qualified professionals who offer specialized treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions. Whether you have a chronic medical condition, such as arthritis, or you have experienced a sports injury, or suffer from dizziness and vertigo our experienced physiotherapists will provide you with personalized treatment, offering you relief from pain and discomfort and enabling you to get back to your usual activities quickly.
By: Clarence Lau, Registered Orthopaedic & Sports Physiotherapist
