What is it?
Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that occurs when the Achilles tendon (the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel) becomes irritated and inflamed. Tendonitis is a condition associated with overuse and degeneration, and can occur in other joints like the elbow and shoulder joint.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, climb stairs, jump, and stand on your tip toes, which is why it is susceptible to tendonitis.
Symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel (Achilles tendon)
- Heat and swelling around the Achilles
- Pain, stiffness and swelling after exercise.
- Leg weakness
Causes
- The tendonitis results from repetitive stress to the tendon, for example an increase in activity frequency and intensity.
- Tight calf muscles.
- Overuse of the Achilles.
- Bone spurs on the back of the heel can rub and cause irritation.
- New shoes, or wearing the wrong shoes when exercising.
Treatment options
- Remedial Sports Massage
- Shock Wave therapy
- Physiotherapy
Exercises to do at home
- Calf muscle stretch:
- Downward facing dog
- Calf drop stretch- Step both feet up on a step and position your feet so that your right heel is over the edge. Drop most of your weight into that right heel as it drops toward the floor. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds to a minute, then switch sides.
Related content
Remedial sports massage
Sports massage is a form of massage performed by a therapist specially trained in human anatomy, enabling them to manipulate soft tissue and assist in correcting problems and imbalances that are caused from repetitive and strenuous physical activity and trauma. Learn more.
Shockwave Therapy
Shock Wave Therapy is a non-invasive method of treatment, focussing on relieving pain caused by injury or illness especially, chronic conditions affecting elbows, feet and shoulders.
Learn more.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy is a holistic treatment of patients suffering from injury, trauma or disability through movement and exercise, manual therapy, education and advice.
Learn more.
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