Achilles Tendinopahty - also known as Achilles tendonitis, which is a tendon at the back of your calf, and it might be affected at mid-portion or lower at insertion. It is a very common clinical condition in athletes.
What are the Symptoms
The symptoms experienced by patiens with Achilles Tendinopathy include :
- Pain that gradually worsens
- Swelling
- Thickening of the tendon low to the heel
- Restriction in the range of motion of the foot
- Difficulty walking long disances
- Pain when climbing stairs
What are the Risk Factors
This clinical condition usually affects long distance runners and middle aged persons with non active lifstyle and high BMI. Bad shoes is also an important risk factor.
How can Physical Therapy Help
First priority is the reduction of pain, that in some patients may be acute. That is achieved by a combination of Physical Therapy interventions, such as specialised massage, electrotherapy and structred exercise program that will relief pain in any case. Strucured exercise program includes initially pain reliefing exercises, and later gradual strenghtening of the muscles of leg and foot. The interventions applied are:
Kinesiotherapy intervention with structured exercise program invludes :
- Pain reliefing exercises
- Range of motion exercises
- Mobility exercises
- Stretching exercises for calf and foot muscles
- Proprioception exercises
- Strengthening exercises for calf and foot muscles
- Home exercise program
Did you have surgery for Achilles Tendon rapture ?
Physical Therapy can help you maximize the benefits of a surgery.Together with Physical Therapist Mr. Danalis you will customise your rehabilitaion, so that post-surgery pain is addressed quickly, and with exercise your leg will once again be strong and with full range of motion.
If you have symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy Contact PhysioDanali today for expert consultation.
References
- Martin RL, Chimenti R, Cuddeford T, Houck J, Matheson JW, McDonough CM, Paulseth S, Wukich DK, Carcia CR. Achilles Pain, Stiffness, and Muscle Power Deficits: Midportion Achilles Tendinopathy Revision 2018. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 May;48(5):A1-A38. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.0302. PMID: 29712543.
- Scott A, Huisman E, Khan K. Conservative treatment of chronic Achilles tendinopathy. CMAJ. 2011 Jul 12;183(10):1159-65. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.101680. Epub 2011 Jun 13. PMID: 21670110; PMCID: PMC3134723.