The achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the body. It links into the calf muscles and attaches into the back of the heel bone, allowing us to rise up onto our toes. The injury is common in both elite athletes and recreational athlete.
Achilles tendon injuries develop from repeated loading during activities such as walking, running, basketball, football, and netball. Initially the pain eases with sport only to become worse with more exercise. We see several cases of achilles pain that have been painful for 4-6 months before a Bigfoot assessment. If you have achilles pain that is not improving a lower limb assessment by one of our podiatrists may help improve your pain.
We have found the following frequent causes for achilles injuries:
- Poor running/walking technique
- Weak and poorly activating upper leg and abdominal muscles that do not activate during exercise
- Tight calves and hip flexors
- Incorrect footwear choice
- A sudden change in surface and training mileage
- Medical conditions - lupus, gout, psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis
Our treatment often involves:
- Retraining running/walking technique
- Mobilisation of the foot and ankle joints
- Stretching and strengthening programs for the lower and upper leg
- Orthotic insoles to unload and cushion the impact on the tendon
- Correct footwear prescription
- A gradual return to activity program
- Referral to Physiotherapy/Massage/Sports Physicians
Our podiatrists will help you get you back to sport as quickly as possible. We will work with you over 2-3 months to manage you through your return to exercise. Get in touch with us to make an appointment one of our clinics.
