Achilles Tendonitis
ACHILLES TENDONITIS
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
- Mild to severe pain along the achilles tendon (below calf muscle & above heel)
- May feel tight and difficulty flexing foot up (dorsiflexion)
DEFINITION & ANATOMY
- An inflammation of the tendon (possible bursa)
- Achilles tendon comes from the calf muscle and inserts into the heel (calcaneous)
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
- Most common cause is excessive/hyper pronation of the foot.
- Dysfunction of normal foot function places more stress on the achilles tendon
- None supportive foot wear that does not allow normal foot movement
- Biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, pelvis, leg length discrepancy, all resulting in excessive stresses. (See gait cycle)
- Tightness of the calf muscles (gastrocnemius)
- More vulnerable with age as tendon is less flexible
- Training errors such as running on crowned roads, hills, stairs, increasing mileage too soon
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS
- Use of ice to control pain and reduce swelling and inflammation
- Stretching the calf muscle and achilles tendon (slowly do not overstretch)
- Use of stabilizing orthotics if repetitive stresses are a result of asymmetrical foot dysfunction
- Have an analysis of yur gait cycle (running & walking) by a biomechanical specialist. (See OPTOGAIT)
