Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammatory condition that causes pain and swelling along the back of the calf near the heel. It happens when the Achilles tendon (the band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone) becomes irritated and inflamed from overuse or straining. A few factors can cause it, but the most common are participating in an activity or sport without properly warming up or conditioning.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Several factors commonly bring on Achilles tendonitis; however, some of the most common factors include:
- Tightened calf muscles.
- Suddenly increasing your calf muscle use or load.
- Overtraining the calf muscles.
- Conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
- Overuse of the calf muscles.
- Standing for extended periods.
How Does Feet Option Podiatry Treat Achilles Tendonitis?
At your first appointment, your podiatrist will assess the extent of your Achilles tendonitis and make a thorough treatment plan. We take a holistic approach, aiming to reduce pain and encourage healing while preventing future complications. Some tailored treatments we may use include:
- Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
- Strengthening exercises
- Soft tissue massage
- Physiotherapy
- Stretching
- Orthotics
- Splints
Suspecting You Have Achilles Tendonitis?
If you suspect you have Achilles tendonitis, it is essential to reduce your training or activities and get it assessed by a podiatrist. If you’re experiencing discomfort, you can use panadol to alleviate pain (use as directed) until a professional can see you. This condition makes the tendon weak and more susceptible to tearing, which is why it is important to limit straining the tendon further until it can be assessed as to how severe the condition is.
