Achilles Tendinopathy - Jumping in puddles helps!
Achilles Tendinopathy is a common condition which affects the major tendon at the back of your ankle. This Achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue that allows energy to be stored and released when we walk, run, and jump.
which can be painfully slow to recover. As the tendon heals and the pain starts to resolve, it is important to get back to jumping and hopping to condition the tendon. This helps ensure it is strong enough to handle things like running and jumping and prevent the condition from coming back.
Background:is a common overuse injury that affects the achilles tendon, which attaches the calf to the heel. The tendon is a band of tissue that anchors the muscle to bone and is important in storing and releasing energy when we are walking, running, or jumping
Symptoms:
- Stiff calf/achilles in the morning
- Pain in the back of the heel - along the mid portion of the achilles or closer to the heel.
- Swelling, and tenderness of the achilles tendon.
Risk factors:
- Overuse injury
- Poor footwear
- Decrease in physical activity
- Overweight
- Smoking
Diagnosis
- Observation for any swelling along the achilles tendon and any changes to muscle bulk of the surrounding musculature.
- Range of motion and strength testing as both may be limited with a tendinopathy.
- Palpation along the tendon as it can be tender in two sites as previously mentioned.
- Gait analysis
Management:
- Activity modification
- Strengthening exercise to decrease pain and increase strength.
- Orthotics
- shockwave
