Exercise is great, but it’s critical to know when to say when. If you overdo it, you may develop a pain in your upper heel that gets worse with movement. This is the main symptom of Achilles tendonitis.
Also referred to as Achilles heel, Achilles tendonitis is a condition that many of us have heard of in Greek mythology. In modern times, the condition does not have as much allure. It refers to an injury that occurs in a tendon that connects the lower calf muscles to the heel.
Achilles tendinitis typically occurs in people who play sports. It is caused by overuse. It is painful, especially when pressure is applied to the area.
The condition is not easy to deal with, but thankfully, it can be treated. The physiotherapists at Ottawa Kent Chiro Med Wellness Clinic in Ottawa can provide therapy that relieves pain and inflammation. In time, it is possible to achieve full remission.
Read on to find out how to say goodbye to Achilles pain and enjoy a high quality of life.
You might wonder, why what causes the discomfort? Achilles tendonitis is not related to overuse alone. It typically develops when people apply excessive pressure to the area.
For example, an athlete may acquire the condition if they increase their training intensity or duration. Older people who play sports occasionally are also prone to injury.
The Achilles tendon is used when you walk, jump, run, and make any movement that requires you to bend your foot. The area becomes weaker as you get older due to degeneration. Age is a critical risk factor.
Achilles tendonitis doesn’t happen all at once. You may feel a mild ache in the area after engaging in sports. If you continue a physically active schedule, your Achilles tendonitis pain will worsen.
You may also experience tenderness and stiffness which can be relieved with mild activity.
Not sure if you have Achilles tendonitis? You may want to visit a doctor, especially if the pain isn’t going away.
A doctor may diagnose Achilles tendonitis by examining your foot to determine the area of pain and range of motion. They may also use medical devices for a more accurate diagnosis. They include:
In most instances, Achilles tendonitis will go away with the trusted R.I.C.E. treatment as follows:
You should see an improvement in two to three weeks. If your symptoms continue, you may want to consult a professional. You should also see a doctor if your pain and swelling worsen.
If you continue engaging in physical activity that requires heavy use of the Achilles tendon, you will aggravate your injury. But light stretches will strengthen the area without making your condition worse. They should eventually help you heal completely.
Here are some other rehabilitation techniques that may be effective:
A customized insole will change how pressure is applied when you walk. It can take pressure off your Achilles tendon and allow it to heal.
Sports physiotherapy is an effective treatment for Achilles tendonitis. A professional will work with patients to teach them exercises that strengthen the tendon without aggravating the back of the ankle injury. Slow resistance training is recommended. Eccentric training, which focuses on lengthening the muscle, can also promote healing.
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive technique that uses a device to deliver shocks to the affected area over five to ten-minute intervals. It is said to promote healing in the body’s tissues. It may improve Achilles tendonitis. Most patients will see results within the first three months.
Chiropractic care is not only for the back. Chiropractors can manipulate and adjust feet, heel bone, and calf muscles to reduce Achilles tendonitis pain. They can also use massage and stretching techniques to promote healing.
Acupuncture can reduce pain in any area of the body. It stimulates endorphin release to relieve pain. It promotes blood circulation in the area to reduce inflammation and restore damaged tissues. It also relieves stress which can worsen pain.
Oddly enough, acupuncture target points are nowhere near the heel area. They include the gallbladder, bladder, spleen, stomach, and large intestine.
Spinal decompression is a type of manipulation that reduces pressure on the nerves of the spine to relieve pain. The spine may be nowhere near the Achilles tendon, but the technique helps to release tension in the lower body. It can adjust the muscles, ligaments, and tendons that are putting pressure on the area to provide pain relief.
The Gaston technique uses stainless steel instruments to identify areas of pain and promote healing. The instruments are run along painful areas to find damaged tissues. They inflict a minor trauma that causes inflammation which leads to self-healing. The method is often used to address Achilles tendonitis.
Dry needling is performed while the patient is under anesthesia. An ultrasound is used to guide the needle into the injured tendon. The punctures stimulate nutrients which aid the healing process.
In some instances, donated blood will be injected to increase healing.
NeuroKinetic Therapy is an advanced type of deep tissue massage. The practitioner will pinpoint the muscle that is putting stress on the tendon. They will use a friction technique which involves applying pressure to the muscle to align the fibers and relieve adhesions.
They will use their elbows, forearms, knuckles, or thumbs to apply a gliding pressure that lengthens the Achilles tendon, promotes blood circulation, and accelerates healing.
The Chiro-Med Wellness Clinic in Ottawa can help you achieve remission from Achilles tendonitis when at-home treatments aren’t working. Our therapeutic services include acupuncture, physiotherapy, dry needling, spinal decompression, chiropractic care, shockwave therapy, NeuroKinetic therapy, and the Graston Technique. We can use individual therapies or combine therapies to promote healing.
We will consult with you to find the best method of pain relief. We offer prompt service and a caring bedside manner. Our combined years of experience will help you achieve your healing goals.
We are a recommended choice for physiotherapy in Ottawa area. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
