The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body yet the weakest tendon. So what is achilles tendonitis? Achilles tendonitis is a common injury that is usually secondary overuse. The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue, that’s called a tendon, the tendon connects the muscles in your calf to the lower leg to the back of your heel bone. Achilles tendonitis is usually results from micro tears that occur in the tendon during strenuous high impact exercises.
Are you feeling the symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis? Speak to our podiatrist today.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
The main symptom of Achilles tendonitis is a gradual buildup of pain that worsens with time and activity. Achilles tendonitis most commonly occurs in athletes-runners and basketball players especially. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports occasionally are not used that amount of intensity on the daily base.
In most mild to moderate cases conservative treatment is sufficient, there are some moderate to severe cases that require surgical intervention.
Some conservative treatments include rest, elevating, NSAID, steroid injections, compression bandages, immobilizing, Laser Therapy. Rest and Ice alleviate pain and inflammation. NSAID help reduce pain and swelling in a systemic method. Steroid injection can reduce tendon swelling but it is associated with greater risk of tendon rupture. Immobilizing in a CAM boot with a combination of above treatments has a great success rate to decrease the inflammation. Laser therapy activates ADP in the cells to decrease inflammation and increase healing. It is the newest technology in tendon repair. At Gauld Foot and Ankle we offer Laser Technology Achilles Tendonitis
Surgical intervention involves minimally invasive procedure to gastrocnemius recession. This is usually done after failed conservative treatment.
There are stretches and exercises can help increase flexibility and strength in muscle and tendon to avoid future injuries. Calf stretches with leading forward against the wall and having one foot on the the floor, with leg straight, one foot in front it, with the knee bend. Hold for 10 seconds and repeat 20 times for each foot. Bilateral heel drop-standing on the steps with forefoot on the step. Slowly lift your heels and lower them as far as you can. Repeat 20 times.