Physical Therapy Can Help You Resolve Achilles Tendonitis
Do you experience soreness in your heel every morning? Do you notice pain in the back of your calf going downstairs or when you’re running? You may be dealing with Achilles tendinitis or tendinopathy.
At Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists in Mountain Home, AR, our physical therapists can guide you back to health. We are up to date on the most advanced rehabilitation and injury prevention strategies for optimal recovery and results!
Injuries to the Achilles are common running-related injuries for recreational and elite runners alike. However, many Achilles pain related issues can result from resumption of activity following being sedentary from a prolonged illness or surgery. Most people experience pain and stiffness that may start after activity and interfere with athletic function and eventually basic daily activities. There are telltale signs that can alert you to a problem that needs to be addressed.
Fortunately, at Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists, our highly trained physical therapists can develop a program that challenges the tendon through a variety of exercises so you can get back to doing what you love!
Request an appointment today, and let us give you the tools to get back to pain-free activity!
Achilles tendon function and risk factors for injury
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. This tendon starts around the middle of your calf and travels down to your heel (the calcaneus bone). It connects your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) to the heel bone and withstanding large forces.
Studies have shown that the Achilles will absorb forces up to 6–8 times your body weight, which is close to the maximum load tolerable. With this amount of loading, it is obvious why it is so important to take proper care of it. Unfortunately, it is often the area no one pays attention to until it is injured.
The repetitive micro-traumas associated with loading activities of the foot and ankle are linked to inflammation of the tendon sheath, degeneration, or a combination of both. This tendon, in particular, is susceptible to compressive and/or tensile overload. This means that straining the tendon during physical exercise or an abrupt load is one of the most significant risk factors and common reasons for pathology (i.e., tendinopathy and/or ruptures).
The most common risk factors associated with Achilles tendonitis include:
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Type II Diabetes
- Prolonged steroid use
- Certain Antiobiotics with Tendinous Side Effects
- Men (especially over 40 years old)
- Age (specifically the elderly population)
Other factors include inappropriate footwear, specifically wearing a heel, so your heel is chronically higher than your toes. If you wear a shoe with a heel for the majority of your day, over time, it may limit your ankle motion (i.e., dorsiflexion motion). This position leads to your tendon being held in a shortened position resulting in tightness/restriction in the tendon. A restriction in the tendon combined with the extreme forces associated with running (i.e., 6-8 times your body weight) makes you susceptible to injuries.
It is also possible to experience an acute injury due to a sudden overload like stepping in a hole or landing from a height like a ladder or high step. Some people will also experience an injury from trauma or accident.
No matter the reason behind your Achilles’ problems, we have solutions. Our team in Mountain Home, AR uses evidence-based treatment protocols to restore mobility and strength so you can run pain-free!
What to Expect During Achilles Rehabilitation
Physical therapy should start immediately following the first sign of pain or injury to ensure the fastest recovery possible. Our experts will perform a comprehensive evaluation to understand more about the runner’s training schedule and plans, as well as their history of injuries. In addition, our therapists will identify any weaknesses or restrictions that may be contributing to the condition.
It is crucial to address the entire system to ensure it is functioning properly. This includes an assessment of the running shoes and a biomechanical assessment of the lower extremities and spine.
We will focus on pain management and restoring mobility to the injured area. Next, we will progress your strength and dynamic stability exercises designed to restore function and prevent injuries. Our team will progress the intensity of exercises from non-weight bearing to two-footed exercises and eventually one-leg exercises through the full range of motion of the Achilles tendon.
As a final step, increasing the tendon load tolerance must include speed, absorbing forces, and proper energy storage and release activities (i.e., jump – land – jump drills) to help ensure you can return to running without limitations.
Request an appointment today!
At Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists, our physical therapists have experience working with runners and getting them back to pain-free running at Ozark Physical Therapy Specialists.
Call our clinic today to schedule an appointment with one of our specialists.
Your Next Steps…
Request An Appointment
Receive A Custom Treatment Plan
Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery
Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!