Achilles Tendinopathy: What To Do?

A new year likely brings forth several resolutions. The most common ones tend to focus on getting back into shape, likely involving running. Whether you are changing your goals, just starting out or returning to the sport, no one is immune to injury. Very common among runners is Achilles Tendinopathy, an injury to the Achilles’ tendon. 

The Achilles tendon connects the calf to the heel and is mainly used to flex the foot downwards. A healthy tendon is very important for joggers, amongst others, as it helps to propel them forward. By repeating the same movements and not giving the body enough time to recover, it’s quite possible that the collagen fibres that make up the tendon suffer micro-trauma. These small cracks, if they don’t heal properly, will deteriorate and potentially end up being harmful. They could cause inflammation, pain and swelling at the back of the ankle.

There are two types of tendonitis: With insertional Achilles tendonitis, the pain is located in the junction between the heel bone and the tendon, while with corporal tendonitis, the problem tends to be located in the internal substance of the tendon. These pains are mainly felt at the beginning of the physical effort and can be resolved between each activity. 

Although, if not treated, Achilles Tendinopathy can become chronic and lead to more serious tears. Some potential aggravating factors include: changing equipment or running environment, increased sports frequency, being overweight, chronic lack of hydration, lack of stretching and excessive bending.

How is Achilles Tendinopathy Treated?

To reduce the pain, the following steps are recommended: resting, icing the affected area, performing targeted exercises and wearing better adapted shoes and orthotics, if necessary. Orthotics restrict a large range of motion to stabilize the foot while guiding it in the right direction. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed and a consultation with a kinesiologist may also be suggested.

With a great deal of patience and discipline, it’s quite possible to recover from Achilles Tendinopathy. A full recovery is usually achieved in three to twelve months, depending on the severity of the problem and the body’s response to treatment. If the condition persists, your podiatrist in Montreal, Dr. Leger, recommends the following alternative: Radial Shockwave Therapy. Shockwave Therapy uses low-energy mechanical waves to create tiny lesions in order to stimulate collagen production and accelerate the natural healing of the damaged tissue. This non-invasive procedure is used to treat chronic pain, restore mobility and decrease the messages sent by pain neurotransmitters.

Prevention is better than cure is a well known adage that applies quite well with Achilles’ tendon damage. In fact, it’s possible to protect yourself from complications by following a few basic rules. First off, avoid overexerting yourself and progressing too quickly. Secondly, use equipment that is adapted to your morphology and allows your feet to better absorb shocks, thus reducing the impact on your heels or false compensatory movements. Thirdly, stretching and warming up properly prepares the body for the physical activity and improves the efficiency of the recovery period.

Finally, it would be wise to consult a sports podiatrist as soon as you feel pain in your ankle or heel. These health professionals are the best equipped to help you and find the causes of the many pathologies that could affect your lower limbs.