Achilles Tendinitis

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition that can be debilitating, preventing normal walking and as such it can detrimentally affect normal activities of daily living. At Wembley Physiotherapy Clinic our physiotherapists diagnose and provide physical therapies for heel pain, calf pain /strain and Achilles pain.

The Achilles tendon transmits the forces of the large calf muscle group from the lower leg to the foot. The Achilles tendon inserts into the heel at the most posterior aspect of the Calcaneus. The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body and injured it can be extremely limiting on normal daily activities. Achilles tendonitis is the imflamation of this tendon causing severe pain and limiting range of movement.

What Causes Achilles tendonitis

Most injuries of the Achilles tendon are due to excessive and or repeated motion. Tendonitis can be brought on with a new or sudden increase in activity levels like running on a gradient or on different surfaces. Repetitive jumping and running can predispose individuals to developing an achilles tendon injury as can new or inappropriate footwear.

What causes inflammation and aggravation of the Achilles tendon?

When the body is unable to keep up with normal repair the tendon tissue can begin to fail and become symptomatic. If the tendonitis is not very painful (or when the pain is eliminated by medication), continued stress may potentially lead to complete failure, with a resulting acute tear of the Achilles tendon. Another common cause of Achilles tendonitis is due to over-pronation of the foot which produces a whipping action and can lead to micro-tears in the tendon, particularly in its medial aspect, initiating an inflammatory response.

What are some of the Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis and heel pain

Calf and heel Pain caused by tendonitis can be aggravated by activity, especially uphill running or stair-climbing, and it may be relieved somewhat by wearing heel lifts in footwear and using orthotics.

Help in diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis

A firm tissue tightness can be felt over the area behind the ankle which may feel tender and painful, it may be accompanied by a clicking sound. Achilles tendonitis can be diagnosed with real time ultrasound or investigative ultrasound.

Treatment for Achilles tendonitis- Therapeutic Ultrasound

At Wembley Physiotherapy Clinic our physiotherapists use a range of techniques to reduce the inflammatory response associated with tendonitis. Inflammation of the tendon occurs in “a region of relative avascularity” which extends from 2 to 6 cm above the insertion into the heel (calcaneus). Therapeutic Ultrasound may help increase the blood flow to the area.

For help, advice or to make an appointment with one of our Wembley Physiotherapists call Wembley Physiotherapy Clinic on 08)9383 7883