Achilles Tendinopathy
(AKA: Achilles tendonitis, Achilles tendon pain, Achilles tendinosis, Achilles tendinopathy)
Our physiotherapy clinic offers Achilles tendinopathy physiotherapy treatment, a painful condition affecting the Achilles tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Our highly skilled and experienced physiotherapists are dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatment plans to help you recover and regain mobility.
What is Achilles tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is a chronic inflammatory condition of the Achilles tendon. It usually is from repetitive stress injury or overuse of the muscles from repeated micro-traumas to the Achilles tendon, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
The Achilles tendon is where the tendon attaches to the heel bone from the calf muscles and allows for walking, standing and jumping. The pain typically feels like a burning sensation and can worsen during exercise or after an activity.
This condition is common among athletes and non-athletes alike. Sudden increases in exercise intensity, training on hard or sloping surfaces, and a lack of flexibility or stiffness in the Achilles tendon can cause it.
Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy
The main symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include:
- Pain in the back of the heel, which typically worsens after activity
- Difficulty walking, with pain sometimes making it impossible.
- Swelling, tenderness, and warmth of the Achilles tendon.
- Stiffness or tenderness in the tendon, especially in the morning, usually improves with mild activity.
- Severe pain the day after exercising.
- Thickening of the tendon.
- A grating sensation in the area.
- Leg weakness.
- Redness or heat around the tendon.
- A lump on the tendon.
If you suspect you have Achilles tendinopathy, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
What is the difference between Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendinopathy?
Tendinopathy and tendonitis are usually not the same, they may share similar symptoms, such as pain and stiffness, but these are only synonymous. However, tendinopathy is a degeneration of collagen protein that forms the tendon and usually has chronic symptoms. Tendonitis is an acute inflammation of the tendon.
Physiotherapy for Achilles tendinopathy
Physiotherapy can help Achilles tendinopathy in several ways, including reducing pain, restoring strength, flexibility, and mobility to the injured tendon, and eliminating swelling when present. The key goal of tendinopathy treatment is to improve the energy storage capacity of the tendon, allowing it to work efficiently and withstand the demands of daily activities and sports. Some of the physiotherapy interventions for Achilles tendinopathy include:
- Eccentric musculotendinous training: These exercise has shown good short-term and long-term clinical results in treating Achilles tendinopathy. Eccentric exercises involve lengthening the muscle-tendon unit while it is under tension, which has been shown to affect Achilles tendinopathy positively.
- Stretching exercises: Regular stretching of the calf muscles can help improve flexibility and reduce the risk of Achilles tendinopathy. Examples of stretching exercises include dorsiflexion stretch and toe stretch.
- Strengthening exercises: Strengthening the calf muscles can help support the Achilles tendon and reduce the risk of injury. Strengthening exercises include leg presses, heel raises, and heavy resistance training.
- Balance and proprioception exercises: Improving balance and body control can help reduce the risk of injury and improve overall function.
- Manual therapy: Physiotherapists may use hands-on techniques to mobilize the ankle joint and surrounding soft tissues, which can help reduce pain and improve mobility.
- Pain management: Using modalities like laser and ultrasound to help reduce pain and swelling during acute stages of injury.
- Education and advice: Physiotherapists can guide activity modification, footwear selection, and injury prevention strategies.
It is essential to work with a physiotherapist to develop an individualized treatment program tailored to your specific needs and goals. Most cases of Achilles tendinopathy can be effectively treated with physiotherapy exercises, and recovery may take 3 to 6 months. However, following the prescribed treatment plan is crucial, and we recommend consulting our physiotherapist or healthcare provider if you experience any difficulties or worsening symptoms.
Our Achilles tendinopathy treatment approach
Our physiotherapy clinic focuses on a comprehensive and evidence-based approach to treating Achilles tendinopathy. Our treatment plans include the following:
Initial assessment: A thorough evaluation of your condition, including your physical examination and functional assessment, to determine the severity of your Achilles tendinopathy and identify any lifestyle factors.
Personalized treatment plan: Based on your assessment, our physiotherapists will develop a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of rest, pain management, stretching, strengthening exercises, manual therapy, and taping techniques.
Education and prevention: You will be provided with information on how to prevent future occurrences of Achilles pain by incorporating stretching into your warm-up and cool-down routines, maintaining an adequate fitness level, and addressing any biomechanical issues.
Progress monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan to ensure optimal recovery.
Why choose our clinic?
- Our physiotherapists are highly trained and experienced in treating Achilles tendon pain, ensuring you receive the best care.
- We offer state-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment and facilities to support your recovery process.
- Our clinic is conveniently located, making it easy for you to access our services.
- We are committed to providing personalized care and attention to each patient, ensuring your treatment plan is tailored to your needs and goals.
Book your appointment today.
Don’t let Achilles tendinopathy pain keep you from enjoying your favourite sport or activities. Contact our clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our skilled physiotherapists and start your journey towards recovery.
Learn More about our Orthopedic physiotherapy treatment options for Achilles Tendinopathy.