Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition affecting the Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. This condition can cause discomfort and limit mobility. Whether you're an athlete or a sedentary individual, understanding this condition is crucial for its management and prevention as it can affect a wide variety of people.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinopathy sees the tendon become thickened and this usually occurs when this tendon overloaded from activity, leading to pain and stiffness. Repetitive stress or sudden increases in physical activity are common causes of this condition, but everyone’s origin story with achilles tendinopathy and knowing the whole story is paramount to finding resolution. Thus, it is important to work with an experienced Physiotherapist at the Optimal Health Lab to make sure we get a full history and assessment completed, and also make sure your pain isn’t a variety of other conditions such as Paratenonitis, Posterior impingement or Bursitis.
Tendinopathy, or tendon thickening, develops as the demands on the tendon lead to a loss of normal collagen alignment and the body isn’t given enough recovery time to restructure and repair the tendon between efforts.
Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy may include pain along the back of the leg near the heel, stiffness in the morning, swelling, and difficulty walking or participating in physical activities. Ignoring these symptoms can exacerbate the condition, leading to further complications. It is very common that Achilles tendinopathy feels worse with higher levels of force i.e. hopping hurts more than a calf raise.
Early intervention is incredibly important to managing Achilles tendinopathy, otherwise the tendon dysrepair and thickening only worsens. Treatment options include relative rest from aggravating activities, ice for pain relief, possible orthotic or shoe changes. Plus, working with an OHL physiotherapist to remodel the achilles with specific rehab exercises and strengthen the calf as well as the rest of the leg is pivotal, as well as determining the reason for overload and planning a strategy to return to full activity with the least symptoms. In severe cases some people utilise corticosteroid injections, surgery or shockwave to alleviate symptoms and promote healing, but these are rarely required.
Preventing Achilles tendinopathy involves a combination of proper warm-up and load management, gradual increases in physical activity, wearing appropriate footwear, and incorporating strength and flexibility exercises into your training plan. Additionally, knowing that some pain during activities is relatively safe and typically if you are not increasing your pain the next day it is safe to continue – be guided by your physiotherapist on how this relates to you.
In conclusion, Achilles tendinopathy is a common yet manageable condition that requires attention and care. By understanding its causes, symptoms, treatment options, and preventive measures, individuals can effectively manage this condition and maintain optimal foot and ankle health. If you're experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy, consult your trusty OHL physiotherapist by calling 9431 5955 or you can book online via the Client Portal on the website.
