Achilles Tendon Pain

What is Achilles tendinopathy?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body and is located in the back of your heel. It and connects the calf muscles of your legs to the heel bone. Achilles tendinopathy (tendinitis) refers to the aggravation and inflammation of the Achilles tendon. With repeated stress or trauma, this can progress to degeneration and even tearing of the Achilles tendon. Due to this high risk of damage, it is highly recommended that this condition is assessed by a podiatrist at Elite Podiatry as soon as possible.

The pain is usually described as burning, shooting or stabbing at the back of your heel and can vary in its severity. Often, these symptoms are worst in the first few steps of walking after getting up in the morning or after sitting down for extended periods of time. This generally gets better with movement.

In severe cases, you may have difficulty walking or walk with a limp. In acute cases, redness, swelling, warmth and tenderness can also occur. In chronic, and untreated cases, a bony nodule can form and thickening of the Achilles tendon will occur. This in turn weakens the structure, making it more susceptible to rupture.

Achilles tendinopathy causes

Some of the causes of Achilles tendonitis / tendinosis include:

• Flat or Pronated feet
• High arched or Supinated Feet
• Biomechanical dysfunction
• Overuse or repetitive stress injuries
• Trauma
• Increased activity
• Sporting activities – including more commonly, running, jumping, basketball and netball
• Footwear
• Trigger Points
• Overweight and obesity

Achilles tendinopathy treatment

There are many forms of treatment we provide at Elite Podiatry.  These include:

• Gait and Biomechanical assessment
• Orthotics & Insoles
• Kinetic Taping
• Trigger Point Therapy  and Dry needling
• Joint Mobilisations
• Muscle Energy Techniques
• Footwear Assessment

The aim of the treatment is to reduce strain on the tendon and reduce inflammation.
At Elite Podiatry we have mastered advanced techniques that help us identify, diagnose and treat Achilles tendinopathy and its associated complications effectively with a high success rate. We have a range of treatments available to help relieve and prevent such conditions and improve your quality of life. At Elite Podiatry, we often use adjunct therapies to offer the most effective form of treatment. Depending on your requirements, we will customise a treatment suitable to your needs. Please call us at Elite Podiatry to organise an appointment for an assessment, diagnosis and treatment.