Are Your Achilles Tendons Sore?

If your achlles tendons are sore, you  might be suffering from achilles tendinitis.

The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in our body and connect your calf muscles to your heel bone.

It is a very large and strong tendon and can therefore withstand great stresses from running and jumping.

However, achilles tendinitis is also a very common injury in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs.

Flat feet and/or pronation, wearing high heels or flat feet are also common causes for the injury.


Pain associated with achilles tendinitis is characterized as dull or sharp, anywhere along to back of the tendon, but usually close to the heel.

Sometimes one might feel a nodule (lump) that can be felt on the tendon or heat over the painful area.

 

 
Prevention and treatment

1. Rest 

Our first piece of advice is probably not going to be our most popular one: if you start experiencing Achilles pain, stop any sports activity (except swimming). Ice and massage may help

2. Stretch

Also make sure that you stretch your calf muscles, both of them (Soleus and Gastrocnemeus)

3. Scan the Feet

If you have flat feet or are pronating your feet when walking, custom made insoles may help. Our clinic uses state of the art scanning equipment to check for flat feet and if indicated, we can provide the insoles as well.

4. Shockwave Therapy 

Shockwave Therapy has a success rate between 75 and 90% making it one of the most effective therapies for achilles tendinitis

Shockwave therapy works by sending out abrupt pulses of energy that are similar to sound waves.  Shockwave therapy is now being used to treat a growing number of tendon, joint and muscle conditions including plantar fasciitis

Shockwave therapy normally requires 5 to 7 sessions to alleviate the pain, but it depends on the severity of the injury. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and not painful.

In our clinic, we combine shockwave therapy with our evidence based foot and calf strengthening and stretching protocol to guarantee best possible results.

By combining these therapies we ensure that anyone suffering from achilles tendinitis receives the best possible treatment available.

If you would like to know if we can help you, please do not hesitate and ring our clinic on 01223 864444 to speak to one of our members of staff or book your appointment online