Osteopath for Achilles Tendon: Achilles Tendonitis
- MPR Health
- December 27, 2022
Achilles tendonitis is a common injury that causes inflammation and pain in the Achilles tendon. It is often seen in athletes, particularly runners, and can also occur in people who participate in high-impact sports such as basketball or football.
Osteopathic treatment can help reduce pain and inflammation, promote faster healing, and allow a return to activity. It is important to seek treatment as soon as symptoms appear to avoid more serious problems like tendon rupture or surgery.
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Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury experienced frequently by runners, athletes, and people who spend long periods on their feet. It is one of the largest tendons in your body and connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. It helps you move your foot up and down when you walk or run.
The Achilles tendon can become inflamed if it’s stretched, overloaded or irritated too much for too long, which can cause pain and swell around the back of your ankle joint. This condition may also be known as “Achilles tendinopathy” or “tendinitis.”
Anatomy of Achilles Tendon
The calf muscles and the heel bone are joined by a strong band of tissue called the Achilles tendon. It is the strongest in our bodies and enables us to stand and walk on two feet. You use it every time you step or put your foot down.
The Achilles tendon begins at the back of your calf and attaches to the two largest muscles in that area. From there, it travels down through a tendon sheath and inserts into the bottom of your heel bone. The Achilles tendon is susceptible to injury because it’s under a lot of stress, so it’s important to take care of your Achilles tendon.
Signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis
The most common signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:
- pain in the back of the calf;
- pain when running or jumping;
- swelling in the back of your calf;
- difficulty walking;
- soreness in the lower leg;
- ankle redness; and
- tenderness when pressing on the back of your heel (behind your ankle bone).
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Many things can cause Achilles tendonitis, including:
- overuse
- improper footwear
- muscle imbalance
- weight changes
- existing injuries
- other health conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes
How Osteopaths Diagnose Achilles Tendonitis
During an evaluation, an osteopath will ask questions about your medical history and current condition to get a better understanding of your health. They may also perform certain tests to determine the cause of your injury or condition, such as Achilles tendonitis. These tests may include:
- Palpating the Achilles tendon through your skin and asking about pain when doing so;
- Examining your gait (the way you walk) for any signs of weakness or instability in the ankle joint;
- Checking the range of motion with the ankle joint;
- Performing strength tests to measure how well muscles around the affected area are working together;
- Evaluating posture and alignment issues that could be contributing to symptoms
Can an Osteopath help with Achilles Tendonitis?
Yes, an Osteopath can help with Achilles tendonitis. A trained and experienced Osteopath will work with their patient to determine the cause of their injury, which may include examining any biomechanical factors contributing to the problem. Once the cause is determined, the Osteopath can treat the Achilles tendonitis by working with the patient to create a treatment plan to help them recover from their injury. This may include manual therapy, which may consist of gentle manipulation of soft tissue techniques to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
Osteopathic Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Osteopathic treatment for Achilles tendonitis can be very effective, as it uses a holistic approach to treating the injury. This means that an Osteopath will work with their patient’s biomechanical factors to determine the cause of their pain and develop a treatment plan to help them recover from their injury.
The treatment may include manual therapy through gentle manipulation of soft tissues to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.
In addition, osteopaths will also recommend exercises their patients can do at home to help ease their pain and maintain proper posture. Those hoping to heal from an injury without resorting to medication or surgery may find this treatment plan useful.
When should you see an Osteopath for Achilles Tendonitis?
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, and inflammation in the Achilles tendon area, you may want to see an osteopath. If left untreated, Achilles Tendonitis can cause issues with the tendons and surrounding tissue. It’s also a risk factor for conditions like plantar fasciitis and chronic heel pain.
An osteopath can assess your symptoms and determine the best course of treatment. They’ll also work to identify the source of your pain so it can be treated effectively.
Rehabilitation exercises for Achilles Tendonitis.
A good course of treatment will include a combination of manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises. The osteopath will use their hands to treat the painful areas of your body while explaining what they’re doing and why it works. They’ll also teach you how to do specific exercises that can help reduce pain, swelling and inflammation.
Pain Relief for Achilles Tendonitis
To relieve the pain caused by Achilles tendonitis, consider using ice or heat to reduce inflammation. You can also take regular breaks from activity, use compression stockings, heel cups and shoe lifts, and wear a night splint and heel pad. Additionally, some people find that wearing a night brace relieves their symptoms of Achilles tendonitis by giving them support while they sleep.
Achilles Tendonitis Prevention
To prevent Achilles tendinitis, it is important to:
- Stretch your calf muscles regularly. You can do this either first thing in the morning or just before bedtime.
- Wear shoes with good arch support and an appropriate heel height for your activity level.
- Avoid overusing activities, such as running more than your body is used to or playing sports without adequate rest days between games or practices. Also, avoid repetitive activities such as walking on hard surfaces for long distances without taking breaks.
- Avoid tight-fitting footwear that could cause excess pressure on your Achilles tendon during periods of high activity (such as running).
Osteopathy Clinic Near Me for Achilles Tendonitis
If you suffer from Achilles tendonitis, you can visit MPR Health osteopathic clinic in North Shore to help relieve your symptoms. Our team of experienced osteopaths have years of experience treating patients with musculoskeletal disorders and are equipped with the tools and knowledge to relieve your pain.
Book an appointment today, and let us help you take the first step in your journey to recovery.
Conclusion
If your Achilles tendon is sore and painful, or if you have been diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis, then it’s important to see an osteopath. They can help you treat this condition faster, using holistic treatment methods focusing on the whole body. Osteopathy is a holistic approach to healthcare which means that it looks at all aspects of your life when treating an issue.
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