Achilles tendonitis, also known as Achilles tendinitis, is an overuse injury to the Achilles Tendon which is the large band of tissue connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
- Not having proper warm-up prior to exercising
- Overuse or repetitive injury to the calf muscles
- Improper footwear or wearing high heels for long periods of time
- Excessive uphill running and poor running mechanics
- Certain biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches, leg length discrepancies, abnormal foot pronation, and supination.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
- Sharp pain behind your calf close to your heel
- Stiffness of the Achilles Tendon especially in the morning
- Tenderness and or swelling in the back of the heel which is worse during walking or running
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty standing on your toes
- Thickening of the Achilles Tendon
- Pain worsens with activity: The pain tends to worsen during physical activity that involves the use of the calf muscles, such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs.
- Some may experience crepitus or cracking sensation with ankle movements
Achilles Tendonitis is more common in people who relate to the following
- Age. It is more common in individuals between 30 and 50 because the Achilles tendon gradually loses its elasticity with age
- Individuals who participate in impact sports or activities that require running and jumping
- Dancers
- Physical activity: People who engage in sports or activities that involve repetitive jumping
- Individuals with tight calf muscles, particularly the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.
- Individuals with abnormal foot structure such as flat feet or high arches or those who wear improper shoes with inadequate arch support
- Individuals who have had previous injury to the Achilles tendon
- Individuals who are overweight or obese
Physiotherapy Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
- Physiotherapy treatment for Achilles Tendonitis will focus on improving the strength and flexibility of the calf muscles, reducing pain, and promoting healing of the Achilles tendon.
- Treatments may include modalities like therapeutic Ultrasound and Shockwave therapy, soft tissue mobilization, eccentric exercises, and orthotics recommendations.
If you have any type of foot pain, contact us to book an appointment with one of our Physiotherapists today!
