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Achilles Tendonitis
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
- Pain along the Achilles tendon
- May include swelling or tender palpable nodule
- May affect moving the foot up or down both in a non-weight bearing and weight bearing posture (toe raisers)
DEFINITIONS AND ANATOMY
- The tendon runs from the calf (gastrocnemius) muscle and inserts into the heel (calcaneous) bone
- Several conditions maybe considered
- ACHILLES TENDONITIS
An inflammation of the tendon resulting from repetitive stress that have resulted in microscopic tears or continuous stresses placed against the tendon (rubbing of a shoe)
- ACHILLES RUPTURE
The tendon becomes weakened leading to a partial or total tearing of the tendon.
This is characterized by an inability to rise up onto your toes or difficulty walking due to inability to push off with your toes
CAUSATIVE FACTORS
- Primary reason is due to hyperpronation (excessive rolling in of the feet), causing excessive movement of the foot including the heel (calcaneous)
- Tight calf (gastrocnemius) muscles can lead to tightening of the tendon
- Training errors as running on crowned roads, up and down hills, increasing mileage to soon, coming off an injury to soon, or simply to fast to soon
- Improper fitting shoes by not supporting the foot during pronation or to tight of a pressure on the heel or tendon causing excessive stress
- Biomechanical abnormalities of the spine, pelvis, leg length abnormalities, joint laxity all leading to excessive stresses
TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS
- Use of ice to control pain and reduce inflammation and swelling
- Stretching of the achillles tendon
- Rest and decrease training and activities that reproduce pain
- Wearing the appropriate shoes that match foot structure to allow proper movement and support of the foots arches
- If contributing factors are due to hyperpronation(rolling inward or flat feet) of the feet causing biomechanical alterations , then custom made spinalpelvic stabilizers(orthotics) should be considered; to support the arches of the foot and control excessive movement.
- Get an analysis of your gait cycle (running or walking form) by a biomechanical specialist. See How We Can Help.
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