Did you know runners are 30 times more likely to develop Achilles tendinopathy? Having said that, we treat a lot of achilles pain not caused by running.  

What is the Achilles Tendon?  The Achilles Tendon can be found at the back of the heel and is made up of the two calf muscles – the gastrocnemius and soleus.

There are 3 key areas in the Achilles tendon prone to pain – the back of the heel (insertional Achilles tendinopathy), further up at the back of the ankle (midportion Achilles tendinopathy) and further up at the musculotendinous junction.

 

What can make me more prone to this?

  • Overtraining or unaccustomed use of the calf complex – “Too much too soon”
  • Calf weakness
  • Tight calf muscles / poor flexibility
  • Years of running
  • Male
  • Flat feet – collapsed arch
  • High foot arch
  • Changes in training surface – road running / grass running
  • The wrong footwear for you
  • Poor strength and coordination of the hip, knee, ankle

 

Symptoms:

Pain initially during the start of an activity that may diminish once the area is warm

  • Pain – minor to severe
  • Ankle stiffness – morning/night
  • Swelling, redness, tender to touch
  • Thickening through the tendon
  • Reduced strength and pain with activation of the calf

How can the physio help?

  • Education on why this is effecting YOU
  • Soft tissue on your calf muscles
  • Correction of biomechanics to get the load of your foot back to normal
  • Taping
  • Progressive strengthening  – MOST IMPORTANT 

 

Treatment is broken into 3 phases, and your expert physio will guide you through.  

Phase 1 involves unloading the sore tissues and reducing training to get some pain relief.  Phase 2 involves loading the tendon through very specific exercises, and phase 3 involves sports specific training to get you back to what you love!

Unfortunately, the long you wait and the worse it gets leaves the tendon at a greater risk of rupture.  ACT NOW!!

What results should you expect?

Your Physiotherapist will give you a better idea of where you are in the tendinosis cycle and tailor your treatment appropriately. You can generally expect recovery within 6-12 weeks of commencing your exercises. Come in and see us today so we can sort you out!