Achilles Tendinopathy
What is it?
Achilles tendinopathy (common overuse injury) refers to a combination of pathological changes affecting the Achilles tendon usually due to overuse and excessive chronic stress upon the tendon. It can be seen both in athletes and non-athletes.
What is the cause?
Tendinopathies are caused by excessive overload. It often occurs after spikes in your training load but can also be caused by trauma to the tendon and creating a compressive force.
Signs & Symptoms
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Pain in the heel and along the length of the tendon when walking or running.
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Pain and stiffness in the area in the morning.
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Pain in the achilles tendon when touched or moved.
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Swelling and warmth in the heel or along the tendon.
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Difficulty standing up on one toe.
What can we do about it?
Education is a powerful tool that our therapists at Sports and Spine Physio use as part of every consultation. Activity modification in tendinopathies is an important part of recovery. For patients with nonacute Achilles tendinopathy, complete rest is not indicated and our therapist will advise that you should continue with your recreational activity within their pain tolerance while participating in rehabilitation. Strengthening of the tendon and correcting any muscle imbalances with rehabilitation exercises, dry needling and taping are treatment options that the therapists at Sports and Spine physiotherapy may employ.