Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It attaches the calf muscles in the lower leg to the back of the heel. These strong muscles allow us to rise up on our toes making them important muscles in walking and running.

Achilles symptoms include pain in the Achilles tendon, heel or lower calf. Tenderness to touch, redness and swelling are common. There may be difficulty rising up onto your toes, particularly when standing on 1 leg only.

Common causes include:

• poor foot biomechanics, tight calf muscles, poor tensile strength through the tendon and calf muscles
• overtraining
• incorrect footwear
• previous Achilles rupture.

Early physiotherapy treatment for this problem is vital as it can become difficult to resolve the longer it has been there. Full rehabilitation is important to achieve an optimum outcome and prevent reoccurrence.

Physiotherapy treatment of Achilles tendonitis will include:

• soft tissue release to tight calves
• guidance on appropriate stretches and strengthening exercises
• advice on footwear and training
• running/walking biomechanical assessment
• Referral to a podiatrist is sometimes indicated if foot biomechanics are an issue.

Do not let this injury go untreated as it can become a chronic problem very easily.