Services & Treatments
Achilles Pain
Suffering From Problems in Your Achilles Region?
Achilles tendonitis describes an inflammation of the large tendon and/or its associated soft-tissue structures at the back of the lower leg. If not addressed appropriately and in time, the condition can become chronic, also known as tendinopathy. The traction forces experienced by the tendon can sometimes result in spurring or calcification of the tendon at its insertion into the heel bone. Often bursitis can be associated with this. In some cases, overloading a diseased tendon may also lead to rupture.
Incidence
Typically, Tendinitis is an injury which results from overuse, with this injury affecting 1 in 10 runners. At Central City Podiatry, we find this condition can occur at any age, however, most commonly it’s seen in the athletic population, particularly those involved in running or jumping. Individuals reaching middle-age are also more susceptible to this injury as the water content and ability of the tendon to repair itself diminishes; resulting in an overall loss of tendon resilience.
Causes and Contributing Factors
- A sudden increase in physical activity or overuse
- Poor foot or lower limb alignment and biomechanics
- Inadequate training practices (warm-up, cool-down, stretching etc).
- Physiological changes associated with aging
- Inappropriate footwear
- Direct trauma
- Other: Various arthritic conditions, nutritional, hormonal or metabolic abnormalities
Symptoms
- Problems may be of immediate onset or may begin gradually and worsen with activity
- Swelling over the area may be localized or diffuse
- Heel pain is common
- Tight, cramping calves and hamstrings
- Morning stiffness and pain with first steps
Treatment
- Rest and modification of activities
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapies: Ice, heat, massage, ultrasound
- Physiotherapy to address weak muscle groups
- Strapping, padding and orthotic devices to improve foot biomechanics
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
- Prevention: address biomechanical abnormalities, improve training protocols
- Surgery
The Role of The Podiatrist
The podiatrists at Central City Podiatry will assess your lower limb and footwear to evaluate the cause for the experienced pain. We will spend some time to understand in detail how the injury has developed. You may expect to be sent for some imaging such as X-ray or ultrasound to find the extent of the injury. We believe in prevention and helping you achieve your goals, so we will work with you to develop a suitable treatment plan.
We work closely with a large team of physiotherapists, massage therapists, chiro practitioners and benefit from the combined experience of our team to get you quickly back on your feet.
WANT TO LEARN MORE?
Discover the best care for your tendonitis. Contact our practice today to get started!