Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Achilles tendon / tendon pain
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is a condition where the Achilles tendon, which is a strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone, becomes inflamed and painful. This tendon helps you walk, jump, and run by allowing your calf muscles to pull on your heel bone.
Causes of Achilles Tendon Pain
When you overuse or strain your Achilles tendon through activities like running, jumping, or sudden increases in exercise intensity, it can lead to small tears in the tendon fibers. This can cause inflammation, pain, and sometimes swelling in the back of your lower leg, just above your heel.The pain from Achilles tendonitis can range from mild discomfort to severe pain that makes it difficult to walk or engage in physical activities. It's more common in people who are active, especially athletes or those who participate in sports that involve a lot of running or jumping.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
How can Advanced Podiatry help?
Physical Examination and Diagnosis
The first step is a thorough evaluation of your foot and ankle. The podiatrist will assess the extent of the inflammation, pain, and any limitations in movement.
Rest and Activity Modification
Rest is often crucial for healing. The podiatrist may recommend avoiding or modifying activities that aggravate the tendon, such as running or jumping.
Orthotic Devices
Custom orthotic inserts can provide better support and alignment for your feet, which can alleviate strain on the Achilles tendon. These may be worn inside your shoes.
Footwear Recommendations
The podiatrist might suggest proper footwear with cushioning and arch support to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
Physical Therapy
A podiatrist may prescribe specific exercises and stretches to improve the strength and flexibility of the calf muscles and Achilles tendon. Physical therapy sessions can help guide you through these exercises safely.
Icing and Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Cold therapy (icing) can help reduce inflammation. The podiatrist may also recommend over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications to manage pain and swelling.
Bracing or Immobilisation
In some cases, a brace or walking boot may be prescribed to limit movement and allow the tendon to heal.
Corticosteroid Injections
In cases of severe pain and inflammation, a podiatrist might administer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)
ESWT is a non-invasive treatment that uses shockwaves to stimulate healing in the affected area.
Surgery (if necessary)
In rare cases where conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgical intervention might be considered to repair the tendon or remove damaged tissue.
It’s important to remember that every case of Achilles tendonitis is unique, and the treatment plan will be tailored to your specific needs. If you suspect you have Achilles tendonitis or are experiencing persistent foot pain, it’s recommended to consult our podiatrists for proper evaluation and personalised treatment recommendations.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Tendon problems
What is Tendon pain?
Tendon pain and problems are when you feel discomfort or soreness in the thick cords that connect your muscles to your bones. These cords are called tendons, and they play an essential role in allowing your muscles to move your bones and joints. When you use your muscles a lot or do repetitive movements, like when you play sports or exercise, the tendons can become stressed and strained. This strain can lead to pain and sometimes swelling in the affected area. In the foot there can be several common tendon injuries that our podiatrists commonly see.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Common Tendon Injuries
Peroneal Tendonitis
The peroneal tendons run along the outer edge of the foot and help stabilise the ankle and foot. Overuse or injury can lead to inflammation and pain along these tendons.
Plantar Fasciitis
While not a tendon injury per se, the plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue becomes inflamed or irritated, it can cause pain in the heel or the arch of the foot, especially when walking or standing.
Common Tendon Injuries
Extensor Tendonitis
Extensor tendons run along the top of the foot and are responsible for lifting the toes. Overuse or trauma can cause these tendons to become inflamed and painful.
Flexor Tendonitis
Flexor tendons run along the bottom of the foot and help curl the toes. Inflammation of these tendons can cause pain on the underside of the foot.
Tendon Ruptures
In some cases, tendons in the foot can rupture or tear, often due to sudden and forceful movements. These injuries can be quite painful and may require medical intervention.
To help ease tendon pain, it′s essential to not overload the affected area and avoid activities that worsen the pain. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may be helpful to improve the health of the tendons over time. It’s also important to note that these conditions can vary in severity, and treatment options may include rest, ice, physical therapy, stretching exercises, orthotics, and in more severe cases, surgical intervention.
If the pain persists or becomes severe, it′s a good idea to see one of our podiatrists for proper evaluation and treatment. They can recommend specific exercises, physical therapy (laser, radial shockwave), or other interventions to help you recover and prevent further tendon issues.
Advanced Family & Sports Podiatry
Your Achilles Tendonitis Questions Answered
Whether your pain is mild or severe, if it impacts you in any way, it’s best to make a podiatry appointment. If the pain in your tendon becomes worse or starts swelling, you should see a podiatrist as soon as possible for evaluation and to discuss your treatment options.
It’s important to try to avoid injury wherever possible. To reduce your chances of damaging your Achilles tendon, ensure you warm up before exercising, stretch your calf muscles, avoid activities that place extra stress on the Achilles tendon such as running and jumping, and increase your training intensity slowly over time to get your body used to the changes.
Refraining from certain activities may help to give you the best chance of making a full recovery. It’s best to avoid activities that aggravate the pain, such as running, jumping, or going on long walks, especially on uneven terrain. Your podiatrist will advise you on specific instructions for your individual recovery.
Typically, a torn tendon will result in pain and swelling. You may also hear a ‘pop’ sound, experience bruising, feel weakness, have a reduced range of motion, and be unable to bear weight on the affected leg.
To help ease tendon pain, it′s essential to not overload the affected area and avoid activities that worsen the pain. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may be helpful to improve the health of the tendons over time. It’s also important to note that these conditions vary in severity, and treatment options may include rest, ice, physical therapy, stretching exercises, orthotics, and in more severe cases, surgical intervention.
If the pain persists or becomes severe, it′s a good idea to see one of our podiatrists for proper evaluation and treatment. They can recommend specific exercises, physical therapy (laser, radial shockwave), or other interventions to assist in your recovery and aim to prevent further tendon issues.