Achilles Tendinopathy
Overview
Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It is frequently due to overuse injury that causes inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Causes
Several Possible Causes and Contributing Factors include:
- Repetitive stress or strain especially in activities like running, jumping, or walking
- Previous injuries
- Age, weight, foot deformities
- Inappropriate footwear, training technique
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms
- Pain, swelling over the back of the heel
- Pain is often worse when walking up hill or squatting
- Stiffness at the back of heel after lying, sitting or standing for a prolonged period
Prevention
What Can You do About it?
- Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain or choose alternative exercises that allow you to take the load off the Achilles tendon, e.g. cycling, swimming
- Use supportive shoes with proper support and cushioning
- Do foot and leg stretching exercises regularly. The exercises can help to stretch the Achilles tendon and calf muscles
Detection & Treatment
Treatment
- Apply ice or cold therapy over the back of heel
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physiotherapy
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
- Orthotics
- Surgery for stubborn cases that don't improve with other treatment modalities
Care Management
Rehabilitation Exercises
Specialties & Services
