Do you suffer from Achilles Tendinitis?

The Achilles tendon connects the large calf muscles to the heel bone. Pain and inflammation can occur along this tendon, often just above the heel bone.

Symptoms can vary from an ache or pain and swelling to the local area of the ankles, or a burning that surrounds the whole joint. With this condition, the pain is usually most severe during and after activity. The tendon and joint area can become stiffer the following day as swelling impinges on the movement of the tendon. Many patients report stressful situations in their lives in correlation with the beginnings of pain which may contribute to the symptoms.

Development of tendinitis depends on the type, frequency and severity of exercise or use; for example, rock climbers tend to develop tendinitis in their fingers, swimmers in their shoulders.

Ashley Karen Mitchell Pedorthists Elios Foot Comfort Centre

Achilles tendinitis is a common injury, particularly in sports that involve lunging and jumping.

Achilles tendinitis is thought to have physiological, mechanical, or extrinsic causes such as footwear or training. Physiologically, the Achilles tendon is subject to poor blood supply through the synovial sheaths that surround it.

This lack of blood supply can lead to the degradation of collagen fibers and inflammation.

Elio’s Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis

Treatment is possible with ice, cold compression therapy, wearing heel pads to reduce the strain on the tendon, and an exercise routine designed to strengthen the tendon.

Some people have reported vast improvement after applying light to medium compression around ankles and lower calf by wearing elastic bandages throughout the day. Using these elastic bandages while sleeping can reduce morning stiffness but care must be taken to apply very light compression during sleep.

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Compression can inhibit healing by hindering circulation.

Seeing a professional for treatment as soon as possible is important, because this injury can lead to an Achilles tendon rupture with continued overuse.

Other treatments may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen, ultrasound therapy, manual therapy techniques, a rehabilitation program.

Foot Problems? We can help at Elio’s Foot Comfort Centre with an on-site lab and in-house Chiropodists and a team of Canadian Certified Pedorthists.  Ask about Achilles Tendinitis Treatments at Elio’s, Niagara’s total foot care clinic.

Find more information on foot health.

Elio’s is a proud member of the Pedorthic Association of Canada