Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Expert Achilles Tendonitis Care
Here at Podocare Podiatry, we understand just how Achilles Tendonitis can affect your life, restricting your movement and day-to-day activities. And if left untreated, can leave you off your feet for longer.
That’s why we’re dedicated to providing expert care and comprehensive treatments to help you get back on your feet, without pain. Learn about our range of Achilles Tendonitis treatments across Wakefield, Batley and Sheffield, by getting in touch today.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles Tendonitis is Latin for ‘inflammation of the Achilles Tendon’. Achilles Tendons are the longest tendons in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. When the calf muscles contract, they pull on the Achilles Tendon, causing the foot to point down and helping you rise on your toes.
Achilles pain occurs just above the back of the heel and often you will also experience tightness in the calf muscles. Pain is present with walking and running, especially when pushing off on the toes.
It causes changes in the structure of the skin, often causing skin to flake, peel or even split. Itching the skin increases the likelihood of the skin splitting, which in turn can lead to a secondary infection.
What Happens if Achilles Tendonitis is Left Untreated?
Achilles Tendonitis can develop into a chronic condition if left untreated. The risk of a tendon rupture is also increased. Movement can also become restricted if untreated and if you continue with the activity that has caused the injury.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles Tendonitis pain can develop gradually without any history of injury or trauma. The pain can be a burning pain, a shooting pain, or even an extremely piercing pain.
Achilles pain is a common problem, and often experienced by athletes, particularly distance runners. Achilles Tendonitis is a difficult injury to treat in athletes due to their high level of activity and reluctance to stop or slow down their training.
Persistent strain on the Achilles Tendons causes irritation and inflammation. In severe cases this strain may even cause the tendon to rupture. Chronic overuse (particularly in runners) may contribute to changes in the Achilles tendon as well, leading to degeneration and thickening of the tendon.
What Self-Care Can Help Achilles Tendonitis?
Rest, ice, exercises and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen can help to relieve the symptoms.
It is vital to stop the activity that has caused your Achilles pain as soon as it happens. This will prevent any further damage and will allow the tendon time to heal. Rest is an important part of the recovery process.
You can start to gently introduce activity as the pain decreases but if you feel pain you should stop immediately and rest.
Applying ice to the painful area can help to reduce inflammation. Do not apply ice directly to the skin. Wrap in a towel and apply to the affected area for 10-20 minutes three times a day.
How We Treat Achilles Tendonitis
Our treatments are aimed at reducing the strain on the Achilles Tendon and may include an initial physical exam, biomechanical assessment, custom orthotics, heel lifts, taping and bracing, and shockwave therapy.
The key for the proper treatment of Achilles Tendonitis is determining your foot movement, ankle flexibility and tender spots on the tendon.
Orthotics & Insoles
We will start with an initial biomechanical assessment to understand how you walk or run to see if your feet roll inward too much. If we find there is an issue, we will prescribe shoe inserts to correct faulty foot pressure and lower the twisting strain on the tendon.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy also known as ESWT is a non-invasive outpatient treatment using high-energy sound waves to treat chronic tendon and soft tissue injuries. These sound waves are used in chronic cases to encourage blood flow and initiate tissue healing.
K-Laser Therapy
Similar to Shockwave therapy, K-Laser therapy uses lightwaves instead of soundwaves to stimulate healing and dramatically reduce inflammation. Simply, laser light penetrates deep into the soft tissue, boosting metabolism, causing increased blood flow which also acts as a natural pain reliever.
Why Choose Podocare for Achilles Tendonitis Treatment?
- Expert Podiatrists: Our team has extensive experience in treating Achilles Tendonitis from acute to chronic cases.
- Personalised Treatments: We tailor every treatment to your individual situation and needs.
- Comprehensive Aftercare: From the initial assessment to full recovery, we support you every step of the way.
- Convenience: We have clinics in Wakefield, Batley and Sheffield, also offering home visits for patients who are unable to attend the clinic.
Book Your Appointment for Achilles Tendonitis Today in Wakefield, Batley or Sheffield
Whether you need a consultation and physical therapy advice, or a permanent solution through our treatment options, Podocare is here to help. Contact us or book your consultation online to make the first step towards pain-free feet today.