Achilles Tendonitis
What causes Achilles Tendonitis?
The calf muscles are an important group of muscles located at the back of the leg (calf) that play a crucial role in walking, running, and jumping. These muscles run from the back of the knee down to the heel bone, where they merge to form the largest tendon in the body, known as the Achilles tendon.
Despite its tensile strength and resilience, the Achilles tendon is prone to injury, particularly in athletes and active individuals who engage in activities that involve a lot of running or jumping. When the Achilles tendon becomes irritated, it can cause pain close to the heel, and a slight bump may be palpable on the sides of the tendon. This condition is known as Achilles tendonitis and can be caused by overuse, poor footwear, or sudden increases in running or walking distances.
The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in walking and running, helping to lift the heel as the toes clear the ground and providing the spring needed to propel us into the next step. It also helps to control the descent, preventing the heel from dropping too quickly into the ground.
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Physiotherapy treatment for Achilles tendonitis is focused on progressively loading the tendon to help it heal faster. This may involve exercises that gradually increase the load on the tendon, such as calf raises or eccentric loading exercises. Eccentric loading involves lengthening the muscle while it is under load, which research has shown to be an effective way to strengthen the tendon and promote healing.
In addition to exercise, physiotherapy may also involve other treatments such as massage, or dry needling to help relieve pain and promote healing. A physiotherapist may also provide advice on footwear, stretching, and other lifestyle modifications to help prevent further injury and promote long-term tendon health.
Overall, the Achilles tendon is an important structure that plays a critical role in lower limb movement. If you experience pain or other symptoms in the Achilles tendon, it's important to seek the advice of a physiotherapist who can help diagnose and treat the underlying cause of your symptoms. With proper care and following the advice of Oleg at Monageer Physiotherapy Clinic, it is possible to heal an Achilles tendon irritation and return to your normal sport routines.