Achilles tendinitis

Achilles tendon generally caused by overuse of the limb and is more common among athletes training under less than ideal conditions.

Signs and symptoms:

Symptoms can vary from an ache or pain and swelling to the local area of the ankles, burning that surrounds the whole joint. With this condition the pain is usually worse during and after activity and the tendon and joint area can become stiffer the following day as swelling impinges on the movement of the tendon. The development of tendinitis depends on the type, frequency and severity of exercise or use.  Achilles tendinitis is a common injury in sports that involve lunging and jumping. The achilles tendon is subject to poor blood supply through the synovial sheaths that surround it. This lack of blood supply can lead to the degradation of collagen fibers and inflammation. Tightness in the calf muscles can involve the onset of the achilles tendon. Excessive pronation of the foot can lead to tendinitis. Overuse refers to repeated stress and strain which is likely the case in endurance runners. Overuse can mean an increase in running or jumping intensity too soon. Improper footwear which lack the support to maintain the foot in the natural pronation.

Prevention:

Performing consistent physical activity will improve the elasiticity and strength of the tendon. It is essential to stretch and warm up before beginning an exercise session in order to prepare and protect the tendon for work. Warm ups enhance the tendons capability of being stretched further aiding in protection from injury. Preventive exercises are aimed at strengthening the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles by eccentric exercises. Eccentric exercises improve the tensile strenght of the tendon and lengthen the muscle tendon junction, decreasing the amount of strain experienced with ankle joint movements. These involve repetitions of slowly raising and lowering the body while standing on the affected leg, using the opposite arm to assist balance and support if necessary and starting with the heel in a hyperextended position.

Treatment:

Treatment is possible with ice, cold compression therapy, wearing heel pads to reduce the strain on the tendon and exercise routine designed to strengthen the tendon. Other treatments may include non steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, ultrasound therapy, Massage,dry needling 

Call surfcoast massage to help with your achilles problems, ideally we recommend weekly treatments of sports massage and dry needling, exercise and icing dayly. If you would like further information or to book please do not hesitate to contact us.