We see several cases of Achilles Tendon complaints and injuries everyday here at Border Podiatry Centre. In fact, it is the second most common heel pain complaint, after plantar fasciitis. These types of people find they have pain and stiffness in the back of their heel after getting out of bed in the morning or hobble around for a few steps after they have been sitting down. The pain usually disappears after a warm shower but may reoccur after several hours of activity – especially high impact activities such as running, football/netball, tennis and the like. They are unable to enjoy their everyday sporting activities.
What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is a condition affecting the large tendon structure located at the back of the leg. The calf muscles turn into the Achilles tendon which inserts into the back of the heel bone. This tendon can become inflamed, irritated and swollen at its insertion at the back of the heel and also along the tendon itself. If left untreated, micro tears and heel spurs at the back of the heel can develop and Achilles tendinitis can progress to the much harder to treat Achilles tendinosis/tendinopathy and may even result in complete rupture of the Achilles tendon.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendon issues?
It should be noted that the symptoms of Achilles tendon pain differ from person to person. Symptoms can range from:
- Stiffness behind the heel or ankle when rising in the morning or after prolonged periods of sitting
- Pain radiating upwards from the Achilles tendon to the calf muscle belly
- Described as a sharp, stiff and pulling pain
- Notable painful swelling and thickening of the Achilles tendon
- Pain diminishes after walking and warming of the area
There are 3 types of Achilles tendinitis and the condition is treated differently in each phase. So apart from getting to the cause of your Achilles heel pain, it is also important to know what type you have so you can get the right treatment from the get go. The team at Border Podiatry Centre are experts at this.
Type 1: – Achilles Tendinitis
At Border Podiatry Centre, Achilles tendinitis usually presents as acute inflammation of the tendon where there has been a rapid increase of stress or loading. The tendon is structurally sound and its integrity is still intact.
Type 2 and 3: – Achilles tendinosis/tendinopathy
This is where structural changes to the tendon have occurred and there is no longer acute inflammation present. The tendon is structurally weaker, and its integrity has been compromised. Thickness is quite evident and, in some cases, irreversible. Pain is present most of the time
Tendon Rupture
This is the worst possible outcome. There is a loss of function through the inability to push off. The tendon has torn beyond conservative repair and requires surgical repair and immobilisation.
At Border Podiatry Centre we have developed an e-book. 3 Steps to becoming Achilles tendon pain free – the insider secrets of Achilles Pain Rehab!
Not only do we keep up to date with all the latest and most effective heel pain relief research, we utilise all the BEST assessment and treatment modalities here at Border Podiatry Centre which guarantee you results.
So here are some options for you to get on top of your Achilles Tendon pain.
- You can call 60245577 to book a session with one of our expert Podiatrists
- You can book online by Clicking here
- Or….wait for it…..you can download our FREE guide to the insider secrets of Achilles tendon pain rehab by clicking on the book below.
There you have it – What Achilles tendonitis IS NOT and 3 different options to get on top of it.