While you might think Achilles tendonitis will heal independently, this common foot condition requires proper medical attention to prevent chronic problems and potential rupture.
As a painful inflammation of the largest tendon in the body, it can greatly impact daily activities and athletic performance.
Before making informed decisions about your recovery path, you’ll need to understand the precise steps podiatrists take to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate this condition. In our latest blog below, we’ll discuss all this and more.
Achilles Tendon Key Takeaways
- Podiatrists conduct thorough physical exams and use diagnostic imaging to diagnose Achilles tendonitis accurately.
- Treatment plans may include rest, ice, anti-inflammatories, and specialised physical therapy exercises.
- Shock wave therapy is employed for cases unresponsive to standard treatments.
- Rehabilitation involves isometric, eccentric, and isotonic exercises to strengthen and restore tendon function.
- Continuous monitoring and follow-up appointments are crucial for adjusting treatment and ensuring full recovery.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis: Symptoms and Diagnosis
When experiencing Achilles tendonitis, you’ll typically notice progressive symptoms that develop along the thick band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Initially, you may feel a mild ache that intensifies with activity, particularly during or after exercise.
You’ll often experience morning stiffness and increased pain throughout the day. The tendon may be most painful during morning weight bearing, a key diagnostic indicator.
First-line therapy frequently recommends conservative treatments like the RICE method.
Physical signs include visible swelling along the tendon, possible bone spurs, and limited ankle mobility.
Two distinct types exist: noninsertional and insertional tendinitis, affecting different tendon portions.
During your visit, your podiatrist will perform a physical examination to assess the extent of swelling and check for bone spurs. You might notice a decreased ability to point your toes downward and pain when stretching your calf.
To confirm Achilles tendonitis, your podiatrist will conduct diagnostic tests, including X-rays to check for bone spurs, ultrasound to assess tendon thickness, and possibly MRI for detailed evaluation.
They’ll also examine muscle strength, flexibility, and any signs of atrophy or asymmetry.
Comprehensive Achilles Tendon Assessment by Podiatrists
If you’ve identified symptoms of Achilles tendonitis and received a diagnosis, the next step involves a thorough assessment by a podiatrist. This extensive evaluation is essential for tailoring your rehabilitation plan. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:
| Assessment Technique | Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Medical and Injury History |
Identifies underlying potential causes |
|
Physical Examination |
Evaluates tendon condition |
|
Diagnostic Imaging |
Confirms diagnosis, rules out other issues |
|
Gait Analysis |
Detects biomechanical impairments |
Your podiatrist can pinpoint issues contributing to your condition through these methods and develop an effective treatment strategy.
We will integrate physical therapy to strengthen your tendon and surrounding muscles, ensuring a gradual return to activity and preventing future injuries.
Regular follow-ups are key to adjusting the treatment as needed.
Additionally, your podiatrist may recommend checking serum cholesterol levels if a new onset of pain is noted, as hypercholesterolemia can contribute to tendon issues.
We may also suggest custom orthotic devices to correct biomechanical imbalances and reduce strain on the tendon. Beginning treatment promptly after diagnosis is essential to improve outcomes and speed recovery.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Several common factors contribute to the development of Achilles tendonitis, with repetitive stress being the primary culprit. You’re particularly at risk if you’ve recently increased your exercise intensity or changed your training routine without proper adaptation time.
People who frequently transition between different training surfaces may experience additional strain.
| Risk Factor | Impact on Achilles Tendon |
|---|---|
|
Age |
Reduced blood supply after 30 |
|
Activity Level |
Sudden increases strain tendons |
|
Foot Structure |
Flat or high arches stress tendons |
|
Medical History |
Prior injuries increase vulnerability |
|
Lifestyle |
Smoking / alcohol impairs healing |
Your risk of developing Achilles tendonitis increases if you have tight calf muscles, wear inappropriate footwear or exercise on uneven surfaces. Certain medications, like fluoroquinolone antibiotics, can temporarily weaken your tendon structure.
Being overweight or having specific medical conditions, such as arthritis, can contribute to tendon stress and inflammation. The condition affects approximately 24% of athletes throughout their lifetime.
Failing to perform proper stretching exercises before physical activities can significantly increase your chance of developing tendon pain and injury.
Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Issues
Given the discomfort and limitations caused by Achilles tendonitis, effective treatment is vital for recovery and future injury prevention.
Here are three primary conservative treatment options:
Early intervention is crucial for optimal healing outcomes. For many patients, conservative treatment includes physical therapy with targeted stretching and strengthening exercises to improve tendon function. The Alfredson protocol and heavy, slow resistance training are proven effective physical therapy methods.
If you don’t respond to initial treatments, your podiatrist may suggest orthotics or bracing to reduce tendon stress.
For patients not responding to typical treatments, shock wave therapy can be an alternative to stimulate healing and relieve pain without invasive procedures.
It’s essential for restoring function and preventing future issues. Early intervention can significantly enhance recovery outcomes, providing a crucial advantage in the healing process.
These options, combined with the proper guidance on footwear and activity modification, form the cornerstone of effective treatment to get you back on your feet. In severe cases where conservative treatments are insufficient, surgical options may be considered to repair the tendon and alleviate symptoms.
Rehabilitation Techniques for Achilles Tendon Recovery
Early and appropriate rehabilitation techniques are indispensable to recover from Achilles tendonitis successfully:
Isometric Exercises
You’ll start with isometric exercises to manage pain and load your tendon safely. These involve holding your heel raised at 70% of your maximum contraction for 45 seconds, promoting initial healing without exacerbating your condition.
We have selected a video from the National University of Singapore on how to effectively perform isometric exercises for Achilles tendonitis.
Eccentric Exercises
Progression to eccentric exercises is critical. These include slowly lowering your heel from a raised position and enhancing tendon strength and resilience.
We have selected a clear and easy to follow video tutorial from the Journal of Foot & Ankle Research, please check it out:
Isotonic Exercises
Later, you’ll integrate isotonic exercises, like double-leg heel raises, to bolster muscle strength and stability throughout your kinetic chain.
Please check out this video for a clear explanation from Treat My Achilles on what isotonic exercises are and how they can play a valuable role in your Achilles rehabiiltation:
Combining these exercises with adequate rest and controlled motion ensures effective rehabilitation. This gradually restores the Achilles tendon’s function and prevents future injuries.
Incorporating daily or every other day routines as part of the recovery process significantly speeds up healing, ensuring a more effective return to normal mobility and activity levels.
Importance of Proper Footwear
After focusing on the specific exercises that aid in rehabilitation from Achilles tendonitis, it’s important to address another key component of recovery: the shoes you wear.
Selecting the proper footwear is essential in managing and healing from this condition. Here are three critical features to look for:
Additionally, considering shoes with rocker bottom technology can be beneficial, as they help alleviate the strain on the Achilles tendon by reducing plantarflexion. This design feature assists in distributing pressure more evenly during movement.
Proper footwear supports the Achilles tendon by stabilising the heel, aligning the foot, and preventing undue stress during daily activities.
Choosing shoes that offer a wide toe box is critical, as well as ensuring enough room to avoid compressing the toes, which can contribute to discomfort and other foot issues.
Preventing Recurrence of Achilles Tendonitis
Once you’ve recovered from Achilles tendonitis, preventing its recurrence requires a strategic approach focused on proper training progression and ongoing maintenance:
- You must gradually increase your workout intensity while incorporating techniques that strengthen your tendon and calf muscles.
- Start with eccentric-only exercises and progress to isotonic movements, eventually adding plyometric activities as your recovery advances.
- During this process, you'll want to maintain proper rest periods and implement the RICE method when needed.
- It's essential to monitor for early warning signs of discomfort and adjust your activities accordingly.
- Wear supportive footwear, use orthotics if prescribed, and maintain a consistent stretching routine.
- A minimum of 48 hours of recovery should be allowed between high-intensity exercises to ensure proper healing and prevent overuse.
Regular consultation with your podiatrist ensures that your prevention strategy remains effective and tailored to your needs.
When To Speak To An Experienced Achilles Tendonitis Podiatrist
Knowing when to consult a podiatrist for Achilles tendonitis can significantly impact your recovery outcomes. Early intervention by an experienced podiatrist considerably reduces your risk of developing chronic complications and helps prevent the need for surgical treatment.
You should schedule an appointment with a podiatrist if you experience:
- Pain in the back of your ankle that persists despite rest and ice
- Discomfort located 1 - 2 inches above your heel bone
- Pain that's been present for more than a week
- Increased pain during specific movements or activities
- Progressive worsening of symptoms
Working with a professional foot specialist is crucial since podiatrists can effectively treat most foot and leg problems.
Your podiatrist will conduct a detailed evaluation, including a medical history review, physical examination, and necessary imaging studies, to develop a targeted Achilles tendinitis treatment plan. X-rays or MRIs may be ordered to rule out other potential injuries or complications.
This all-encompassing approach guarantees ideal healing and helps prevent future recurrence through proper biomechanical assessment and rehabilitation. Achilles tendonitis can progress to chronic tendinosis without prompt treatment, causing more severe complications.
Achilles Tendon Conclusion
After understanding Achilles tendonitis and its treatment options, it’s clear that early intervention and professional care are essential for optimal recovery. From initial assessment to rehabilitation, podiatrists play a vital role in diagnosing the condition, creating tailored treatment plans, and guiding patients through their recovery journey.
Whether you’re experiencing heel pain or concerned about your Achilles tendon health, don’t wait for the condition to worsen. Contact Bellevue Podiatry today to schedule an assessment and take the first step toward pain-free movement.
You don’t need to put up with Achilles Tendinitis any longer. Our team of experienced Podiatrists have the education and experience to get you moving pain free again. Take control today by booking in online or call us today on (03) 8104 9270 to get this issue sorted once and for all.
Bellevue Podiatry
Bellevue Podiatry has been serving the people of Rosanna and its surrounding suburbs for over 10 years. We have the qualifications, experience and education to effectively treat any lower limb condition or injury that requires expert podiatry care.
Nicole Hardidge - Principal Podiatrist
Nicole graduated with a Bachelor of Podiatry from Latrobe University in 2009 with a certificate in Advanced Clinical Education. Nicole has completed her post graduate certificate in wound care through Monash University.
If you would like a deeper understanding of the content discussed in this article, please click on the links below:
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Achilles_Tendinopathy
- https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases–conditions/achilles-tendinitis/
- https://www.nyp.org/orthopedics/columbia-orthopedics/achilles-tendon-pain/treatment
- https://www.physio-pedia.com/Achilles_Tendinopathy_Toolkit:_SectionA-_Clinical_Evaluation
- https://www.nyp.org/orthopedics/columbia-orthopedics/achilles-tendon-pain
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21553-achilles-tendinitis
- https://www.sports-health.com/sports-injuries/ankle-and-foot-injuries/causes-and-risk-factors-achilles-tendon-damage
- https://www.advocatehealth.com/health-services/orthopedic-center/specialties/foot-ankle-lower-leg/achilles-tendonitis
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-professionals/physical-medicine-rehabilitation/news/treatment-of-achilles-tendinopathy/mac-20555693
- https://www.upmc.com/services/orthopaedics/conditions/achilles-tendonitis
- https://weillcornell.org/news/conservative-and-surgical-treatment-of-achilles-tendinopathies