Achilles tendinopathy is an umbrella term used to describe pain, swelling and stiffness of the tendon that joins the calf muscle to the back of the heel bone.
Achilles Tendinopathy, Achilles Tendinitis, causes of Achilles Tendinopathy, treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy
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) presentation there is 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
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