Achillies tendonitis (Also often referred as Achillies Tendonopathy ), heel pain and irritation is a very common musculoskeletal issue that we see regularly in clinic. At its most simple level, we see persons complaining of tight calf muscles or tenderness around and above the ankle region and into the achillies tendon, as it progresses and in more extreme longer term cases we may see calcification just above the insertion at the achillies tendon and in rarer cases, people experience tears or rupture in the tendon.
How do I know if I might have a problem with my achillies tendon. Well firstly you can perform a simple test on yourself. By simply feeling and gently squeezing on the lower calf/achillies region, you may feel a tenderness. If you are waking up in the morning and the first few steps you take you are very tight and / or also experience soreness in your lower leg/achillies/calf muscles and, sometimes this can be accompanied with a tight feeling or even soreness in the arches of the foot, perhaps its time to speak with your professional.
Pain and discomfort, is usually our first indicator that something is not right. If you are experiencing pain, then perhaps rest and scans are the next thing you wish to consider. Rupture of the achillies tendon is a very serious medical condition. If we can avoid this happening and be mindful of the warning signs, we may prevent a major problem that can require surgery to restore function and repair a partial or fully ruptured tendon.
Causes of Achillies tendonitis
Achillies tendon issues may have many contributing factors. Most commonly, it is sudden impact or, repetitive overuse. Also, faulty or inappropriate footwear for your body or foot type, movement patterns, general muscle tightness, congenital tight muscle types, a sedentary lifestyle are all possible contributing medical factors. Also to be considered is diabetes, arthritis, excess body mass and more. In our experience we often see persons with a tight lower back experiencing achillies or calf muscle issues.
What are the general symptoms of achillies tendon issues.
Pain, swelling, stiffness, loss of range of motion, muscle weakness, heat, thickening or enlargement of tissue.
What are the best treatments for Achillies tendon issues.
We would advice first of all, assessing how you move, what footwear you use, what your lifestyle and life habits are and what your activity level is like along with taking a basic medical history. No two sets of feet are the same and no two bodies move the same or are the same. For example some people are hypermobile, have flatter floppy feet and loose bodies, and a very inefficient movement pattern, where as others may have a rigid high arch foot type, tight muscles, generally move well but have reduced ranges of motion. Other people are a mix. So, we have to approach each person on a case by case basis.
Treatments may range from and include the following and in no specific order. Calf muscle stretches, arch supports or custom made insoles, in shoe/orthotic heel raises, soft tissue massage, physiotherapy, stability exercises, physical conditioning exercises, gait and posture education/re education, movement pattern assessment, footwear changes and advice, shockwave therapy, anti-inflammatory medicines/pain relief medication and more. Rest can be indicated in extreme cases but is not always part of a treatment protocol however, if a person is excessively active or over exercises (work or leisure) sometimes a reduction in activity can be helpful and sometimes essential.
If you are suffering from or think that you may have issues with your calf muscles or achillies tendon, then we are happy to help and offer advice and if required, refer you to the right health care provider such as physiotherapist, GP.
Should you need further advice or wish a practitioner look at your walking, running or just to discuss your condition, we are happy to help you at Coastal Podiatry
Mobile and out of hours 07748 142169
Sandbanks Clinic 01202 748 899
Further Reading