Physiotherapy And Achilles Tendinopathy

Pain in Achilles tendon

Physiotherapy And Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury found more commonly in jumpers and joggers as a result of constant repetitive action or movement. Achilles tendinopathy causes swelling, stiffness and pain to the Achilles tendon, the tendon that joins the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Risk factors:

  • Diabetes
  • Poor lower limb muscle control
  • Poor calf muscle endurance
  • Tight and weak calf muscles
  • Stiff ankle/ foot joints
  • Genetics
  • Obesity
  • Gender: men > women
  • Age > 30 years old

Causes:

  • Uphill running
  • Poor unsupported footwear
  • Over-training
  • Change in training surface
  • Lack of training variation
  • Excessive intensity and/ or distance increase

Symptoms:

  • Stiffness, pain and loss of strength in the affected area
  • Intensity of pain dependent on the load of the exercise ie. pain increases as the Achilles tendon is loaded
  • Stiffness in the tendon usually in the mornings and at the start of exercise
  • Burning pain at the start of an activity and/ or exercise that reduces with activity but worsens following activity
  • Swelling
  • Achilles tendon may be warm, red and tender to touch

Assessment:

  • Your physiotherapist will provide a correct diagnosis of your condition based on your clinical examination, symptom behaviour and history.

Treatment:

Physiotherapy treatment aims to reduce inflammation and pain, promote healing to restore the tendon and muscles, and to address any predisposing factors. 

Based on your assessment findings, your physiotherapist will prescribe an individualised treatment plan to help you manage or resolve your symptoms and assist your recovery.

In the initial stages, physiotherapy treatment will focus on reducing pain and high load activities. Once pain has subsided, a strengthening program of the leg will commence, and higher load activities will be slowly introduced with the aim to return to sports. 

Achilles tendinopathy is best treated by increasing the load on the tendon through exercise. Research has shown both concentric and eccentric exercises are effective for the treatment of Achilles tendinopathy. 

Treat your Achilles tendinopathy with Edgewater Physiotherapy

Swelling, stiffness and pain in your Achilles tendon can make it agony to try to keep up with the sports and exercise you love. Time off is the first step but resolving Achilles tendinopathy for good takes more than just a break.

Get in touch with Edgewater Physiotherapy on (03) 9510 8866 or 0431083985 or book a consultation here online to get started. With the help of our friendly and professional physiotherapists, you’ll be back up and running in no time.