The facts

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The achilles tendon is a large tendon that attaches the back of the calf to the heel. This tendon and the calf muscles enable you to point the toes to the ground, making it very important for walking and running.

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Risk factors of tendonitis

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• Sudden increase in exercise (either intensity or frequency)

• Tight calves and poor foot flexibility

• Excessive pronation (flat feet)

• Wearing poor-fitting shoes

• Not resting between exercises.

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Different types of achilles tendon injuries

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Tendonitis

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This simply means an inflamed tendon. The pain can be either over the tendon or on the heel. It is usually a sharp or burning pain that is worse during or just after exercise. Often due to overuse of the tendon or poor conditioning of the tendon, this can can lead to injury.

 

Tendonitis is extremely common in runners and sports that require jumping, like competitive running, basketball, football, netball and tennis.

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Tears

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These are when the tendon itself is actually torn. This can be either a partial tear or complete rupture. Tears usually occur due to forceful movements such as sudden acceleration, jumping or pivoting.

 

Partial tears often respond well to conservative care from our chiropractic clinic in Ascot Vale or from a physiotherapist. Complete ruptures may require surgery.

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Treatment options for achilles tendon injuries

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We see this kind of injury often and it responds well to care.

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The treatment focuses around:

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• Reducing pain

• Regaining normal range of motion of the joint

• Restoring strength and flexibility to the muscles

• Restoring balance, movement and proprioception (self-movement and body position)

• Returning the person to sport in a controlled way.

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If you have achilles tendon problems and live in the Ascot Vale and Moonee Ponds area, we'd love to help.

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References:

1. ​American acadamomy of orthopedic surgeons.:  https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/achilles-tendinitis/

2. Souza T. Differential diagnosis and management for the chiropractor, Protocols and algorithms, Fourth edition. Jones and Bartlett Publishing 2009.

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