Achilles tendinopathy is an umbrella term used to describe a number of pathologies that cause pain, swelling and stiffness to the Achilles tendon or its insertion into the heel bone. Stiffness can be present initially when walking or running and this can diminish as the tendon warms up. Acute (short term) tendinopathy shows changes in the cells and in more chronic (long term) presentations there are changes in the collagen and the cells.
Some of the causes of Achilles Tendinopathy include:
- A sudden increase in intensity, frequency and duration of activity
- Not enough recovery time between activity
- Inadequate warm up and cool down time
- Tight weak calf muscles
- Restricted ankle joint range of movement
- Running on hard uneven surfaces
- Excessive pronation of the feet
- Wearing in-correct or non-supportive footwear
- Running technique fault
The common treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy include:
- Soft tissue release of the calf and Achilles using physical therapy
- Dry needling the calf and Achilles
- Strengthening exercises – specifically eccentric and isometric loading programs
- Correcting running technique
- Correct running shoes for activity
- Correcting work and casual footwear
- Adding heel raises into joggers and wearing as often during rehabilitation
- Foot orthoses to help address excessive pronation if it exists
- Shockwave Therapy
- Platelet-Rich-Plasma Injections – done usually by a Sports Physician
