Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy is the term that commonly refers to damage of the Achilles tendon or its covering. It is an overuse injury that is common especially to joggers and jumpers, due to the repetitive action and may also occur in other activities that require the same repetitive action.
Tendons are the tough fibres that connect muscle to bone. Most tendon injuries occur near joints as this where the most pulling and force is felt. A tendon injury may seem to happen suddenly, but usually it is the result of many tiny tears to the tendon that have happened over time.
Causes of Achilles Tendinopathy
- Over-training or unaccustomed training load – “too much too soon”
- Tight hamstring (back of thigh) and calf muscles
- High Heels or Toe walking
- Unsupportive footwear
- Flat feet
- Sudden change in training surface – e.g. grass to concrete
- Poor eccentric strength
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy
- Pain at the beginning of activity and decreases as it warms up
- Pain after activity
- Stiffness in the morning or before activity
- Loss of lower leg strength
- There area may be red, warm to touch and swollen if inflammation is present
- Crunchiness when flexing and extending the tendon
Myotherapy For Achilles Tendinopathy
Our Myotherapists are trained to thoroughly assess Achilles Tendinopathy and will put together an individualised treatment plan to help relieve pain and restore normal function back to your body. They will provide advice on adequate rest and corrective exercises for rehabilitation. Furthermore they will assess your footwear, walking and running patterns and make any recommendations that will improve your biomechanics for pain free running.
Depending on your presentation treatment may include a combination of the following techniques:
- Soft and Deep Tissue Massage
- Myofascial Cupping
- Myofascial Dry Needling
- Stretching
- TENS
- Hot and Cold Therapies
- Taping
- Postural and Corrective Exercises