What is Achilles Tendinitis?
WHAT IS ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY?
Did you know that the Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body?
With Achilles Tendinitis, the Achilles tendon, also known as the common plantar flexor tendon, gets inflamed and irritated. Overloading the tissues, repetitive strain, and increased stress on the structures leads to pain.
You might hear the term insertional or mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy. This has to do with the location of the tendinitis. Insertional describes the osseotendinous junction (where the tendon attaches onto the back of the heel) whereas mid-substance indicates the tendinopathy is along the tendon body itself.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE ACHILLES TENDINITIS?
The most common symptom are localized pain along the Achilles tendon or at the back of the heel.
Engaging in a lot of activities that involve running and/or jumping increases the risk of developing Achilles tendinitis. Other factors, such as flat feet, tendon strain, and tendon overload put you at a higher risk for developing Achilles tendinitis.
HOW TO TREAT ACHILLES TENDINITIS
Your physiotherapist can guide you through rehabilitation of your Achilles tendinitis.
They will first assess to rule out the back and hips as the source of pain. They will help you identify the root of the problem – whether it is your biomechanics, weakness, inflexibility, footwear, or a combination of several factors – in order to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
In some cases, certain modalities like Shockwave can aid in the healing process if more conservative treatments aren’t working.
Interested in learning more?
Read on in our series of articles on Muskuloskeletal Conditions!
About the Author - Sonia Gashgarian
Sonia Gashgarian is a registered physiotherapist who graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto. Prior to this she completed her Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with Honours from the University of Waterloo. Sonia has completed courses in sports taping and basic kinesio-taping, as well as the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy and Mulligan Concept. She also has her APTEI Acupuncture and Dry Needling Certification.
Sonia uses a variety of treatment techniques to help clients feel better and return to their regular activities as soon as possible. Her individualized treatments may include the following: education, joint mobilizations, exercise prescription, soft tissue release, trigger point release, taping, acupuncture and dry needling, cupping, and Gua Sha.
To book in please call us at (519) 442-2206 or click here.