A painful Achilles tendon (Achilles tendonitis, tendinosis and tenosynovitis or rupture) is a common overuse injury. It can be quite common in athletes but also affects many not participating in sport.
The signs and symptoms of Achilles tendonitis often develop gradually. Pain, stiffness and swelling in the Achilles (at the back of the heel) along with difficulty walking, especially when you first arise from bed, are often experienced. The pain lessens once the area ‘warms up’ but returns on completing activity and may even worsen. A cracking or creaking sound may be heard when the area is moved.
Causes of Achilles pain can range from:
- over use of the area
- foot structure
- footwear
- arthritis
- some medications
Accurate diagnosis of the cause of the Achilles injury is important to ensure the most appropriate treatment is implemented. Diagnosis can be achieved through physical examination and in some cases ultrasound and/or MRI.
At Footlab+ we have many different treatment modalities to reduce pain and facillitate a return to acitivty. Just some of the treatment options inlcude:
- therapeutic ultrasound
- orthotic therapy
- prolotherapy
- shock wave therapy
- physical therapy
