Are you searching for a Townsville Physiotherapist who’s experienced when it comes to Achilles Tendonitis Treatment? Physio on Ross should be your choice. Our team has put together this blog to answer a range of commonly asked questions about the condition.
In this blog we discuss symptoms and causes of Achillies Tendonitis, how the condition is diagnosed, and what can happen if it’s left untreated.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles Tendonitis is one of the most frequent ankle and foot overuse injuries, which is a clinical syndrome characterised by the combination of pain, swelling, and impaired performance.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
You may have Achilles Tendonitis if you have pain at the back of your heel or on your Achilles tendon. It can be worse in the mornings and “warms-up” with movement and exercise.
Achilles Tendonitis Diagnosis
Achilles Tendinitis can be diagnosed by your physiotherapist after a comprehensive physical and subjective assessment. Medical imaging is not always essential in diagnosis however can be extremely beneficial when considering the severity or extent.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Athletes who do high volumes of running and/ or jumping are more susceptible to Achilles Tendonitis, although it can affect anyone. There are many things which can cause or contribute to Achilles Tendonitis, including;
- An increase in sport or training,
- High volume repetitive movements such as running,
- Weakness and / or tightness in the calf muscles, and
- Occasionally biomechanical variances in foot posture.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Achilles tendonitis is treated through a combination of:
-Activity modification
-Gradual loading and strengthening of the Achilles tendon, and
-Maintenance of other important muscles in the legs.
Our qualified physiotherapists work with each individual patient to develop a personalised treatment plan that’s suitable for them.
Exercises for Achilles Tendonitis
Exercises for Achillies tendinopathy primarily concentrate on gradual loading of the Achilles tendon through strengthening the calf muscles.
Some of these may include:
- Seated Heel Raises
- Standing Heel Raises
- Heel Drop
- Toe-to-wall Stretch, and
- Runner’s Stretch
Your physio will likely include some other exercises to help with balance and strengthening of other muscles. This is modified and adapted for each patient and their every day/sports needs.
What Happens If Achilles Tendonitis Goes Untreated?
Tendinopathy is categorised into three different stages which are; reactive, disrepair and degenerative. If untreated, Achilles tendinopathy will progress through these stages, with each phase requiring a longer duration to rehabilitate the tendon.
Each of these stages has different recovery time frames and in the later stages, pain-free function isn’t always achieved. This can be addressed by an early diagnosis and a treatment plan from your physiotherapist.
Physio for Heel Pain
Think you may be experiencing Achilles Tendonitis?
Don’t hesitate to make an online appointment with one of our trusted Physio on Ross clinicians today (Book Directly Online Today ) or make contact on 47282116. Any queries are always welcome.
