Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Earlwood
Achilles Tendonitis: Navigating Recovery
Earlwood Podiatry
Forms of Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is a prevalent condition characterised by inflammation and irritation of the Achilles tendon, the robust band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This condition often arises from overuse, abrupt increases in physical activity, or wearing improper footwear. Achilles tendonitis comes in two main forms:
- Non-insertional Achilles Tendonitis: Primarily affecting the central part of the tendon, this type is linked to overuse and tendon fibre degeneration. It frequently affects active individuals, including runners.
- Insertional Achilles Tendonitis: Focusing on the lower section of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone, this type may result from factors like bone spurs, repetitive stress, or inadequate heel cushioning in footwear. Managing insertional Achilles tendonitis can be more complex due to its proximity to the bone.
Earlwood Podiatry
Achilles Tendonitis Management
Our sports podiatrists are experienced in evaluating and addressing lower limb and foot conditions, including Achilles tendonitis. Our role in managing this condition encompasses key aspects:
- Diagnosis: We initiate the process with a comprehensive assessment, which includes gathering a medical history, visual inspection, physical examination, gait analysis, and, if necessary, imaging tests like ultrasound or MRI. This helps us confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of the injury.
- Personalised Treatment Planning: Tailored to the patient’s unique needs and goals, our treatment plan often combines the following components:
- Rest and Activity Adjustment: Advising patients to temporarily reduce or modify their physical activities to facilitate tendon healing.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Crafting an individualised exercise regimen to enhance calf muscle and Achilles tendon flexibility and strength, fostering healing and minimising recurrence.
- Manual Therapies: Utilising techniques such as massage, myofascial release, or dry needling to alleviate muscle tension and promote tissue healing.
- Shockwave Therapy: In specific cases, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) may be employed to stimulate blood flow and tissue repair in the affected area.
- Bracing and Taping: Implementing braces or taping methods to provide added support to the Achilles tendon during physical activities.
- Medications: Prescribing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or suggesting topical treatments to manage pain and inflammation.
- Footwear Evaluation: Assessing the patient’s choice of footwear and recommending suitable shoes with proper heel cushioning and arch support.
- Orthotic Devices: Recommending or prescribing custom orthotic insoles or shoe inserts to offer support, cushioning, and alignment correction, thus reducing stress on the Achilles tendon.
Earlwood Podiatry
Return to Your Athletic Pursuits
Our goal is to aid individuals in their Achilles tendonitis recovery journey, helping them return to their athletic pursuits while minimising the risk of recurrence. We often work with patients who have successfully recovered from Achilles injuries but continue to experience lingering discomfort and ongoing issues. Our experience in lower limb biomechanics, footwear, and exercise prescription is pivotal in achieving enduring positive outcomes for our patients.
New Patient Offer - 20% Off Initial Consult
*Offer available to new patient initial consultations.When booking face-to-face or over the phone, you must mention code: NP20off
Earlwood Podiatry
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