10 Dec Pain in the back of your heel? It may be ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY
OTHER NAMES INCLUDE: Achilles tendonitis, achilles tendinitis, achilles tendon pain, achilles tendinosis, achilles tendinopathy.
Achilles Tendonitis is a term that commonly refers to an inflammation of the Achilles tendon or its covering. It is an overuse injury that is common especially to joggers and jumpers, due to the repetitive action and so may occur in other activities that requires the same repetitive action.
Most experts now use the term Achilles tendinopathy to include both inflammation and micro-tears. But many doctors may still use the term tendonitis out of habit.
What Causes Tendon Pain?
Tendons are the tough fibres that connect muscle to bone. Most tendon injuries occur near joints, such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, and ankle. A tendon injury may seem to happen suddenly, but usually it is the result of many tiny tears to the tendon that have happened over time.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that is common especially to joggers and jumpers, due to the repetitive action and so may occur in other activities that requires the same repetitive action.
Most tendon injuries are the result of gradual wear and tear to the tendon from overuse or ageing. Anyone can have a tendon injury, but people who make the same motions over and over in their jobs, sports, or daily activities are more likely to damage a tendon.
A tendon injury can happen suddenly or little by little. You are more likely to have a sudden injury if the tendon has been weakened over time.
Common Causes of Achilles Tendonitis include:
- Over-training or unaccustomed use
- Sudden change in training surface
- Flat (over-pronated) feet
- High foot arch with tight Achilles tendon
- Tight hamstring and calf muscles
- Toe walking (or constantly wearing high heels)
- Poorly supportive footwear
- Hill running.
- Poor eccentric strength
At Brindabella Podiatry we see this problem often and we will hand-pick a management plan for you as we understand that everybody is different. Sometimes a heel raise is used to off-load the tendon, other times we use orthotics to control abnormal loads on the tendon. Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is also very successful for Achilles problems or maybe you just need some advice on Footwear. Whatever it is, we will work with you to get you back doing what you love. You can book your BIOMECHANICAL ASSESSMENT HERE ONLINE or give us a buzz on 62932024.
