Achilles Tendinopathy | Tendinitis
Achilles tendinopathy is a painful condition caused by overuse of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the back of the heel. Tendinopathy is often used to describe any problem with the tendon, which includes tendonitis and tendinosis, tears and inflammation around the tendon.
The Achilles tendon helps us to walk, run, jump, and go up on our tip-toes. With repetitive or intense strain on the tendon, it may become swollen and painful.
Achilles injuries commonly occur in runners or those who play high-intensity sports such as tennis, badminton, or basketball, etc. Pain associated with this condition typically starts as a mild ache in the back of the leg between the calf and heel bone after activity. This pain can become more severe after prolonged running or climbing, or can be associated with stiffness in the mornings.
Interesting Fact: The structure of the Achilles tendon will weaken as you age, making it more susceptible to injury, especially in those who only play sports on the weekends (Pardes et al., 2017).
5 Common Symptoms for Achilles Tendinopathy
- Pain in the back of the leg above the heel
- Pain and swelling that gets worse with activity
- Stiffness and pain when you wake up in the morning
- Soreness or pain after a day of activity
- Difficulty flexing the foot
If you believe you are experiencing some of these symptoms, we recommend that you speak with a chiropodist for a proper diagnosis and a plan of action.
Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment Options
At Toronto Foot Care, the chiropodist will offer different treatment options for Achilles tendinopathy based on the severity of the condition. These treatments may include specific exercises and stretching, modifications to shoes or custom foot orthotics, therapeutic modalities such as ultrasound therapy, shockwave therapy, and pain management strategies.
Although treating the symptoms is only one part of the solution, it is always important to find and treat the cause of the problem to prevent it from coming back.
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Andres, B. M., & Murrell, G. A. (2008). Treatment of tendinopathy: what works, what does not, and what is on the horizon. Clinical orthopaedics and related research, 466(7), 1539–1554.
Pardes, A. M., Beach, Z. M., Raja, H., Rodriguez, A. B., Freedman, B. R., & Soslowsky, L. J. (2017). Aging leads to inferior Achilles tendon mechanics and altered ankle function in rodents. Journal of biomechanics, 60, 30–38.
Silbernagel, K. C., Hanlon, S., & Sprague, A. (2020). Current Clinical Concepts: Conservative Management of Achilles Tendinopathy. Journal of Athletic Training. 55 (5): 438–447.