TORONTO FOOT SPECIALIST/CHIROPODIST SHARES SOME INFORMATION REGARDING ACHILLES TENDONITIS

 

 

Definition

Achilles tendonitis causes inflammation and degeneration of the achilles tendon. The achilles tendon is the large tendon located in the back of the leg that inserts into the heel. The pain caused by achilles tendonitis can develop gradually without a history of trauma. The pain can be a shooting pain, burning pain, or even an extremely piercing pain. Achilles tendonitis should not be left untreated due to the danger that the tendon can become weak and ruptured.   Achilles Tendonitis is aggravated by activities that repeatedly stress the tendon, causing inflammation. In some cases even prolonged periods of standing can cause symptoms. It is a common problem often experienced by athletes, particularly distance runners. Achilles Tendonitis is a difficult injury to treat in athletes due to their high level of activity and reluctance to stop or slow down their training.   Individuals who suffer from achilles tendonitis often complain that their first steps out of bed in the morning are extremely painful. Another common complaint is pain after steps are taken after long periods of sitting. This pain often lessens with activity.  

Cause

There are several factors that can cause achilles tendonitis. The most common cause is over-pronation. Over-pronation occurs in the walking process, when the arch collapses upon weight bearing, adding stress on the achilles tendon.   Other factors that lead to achilles tendonitis are improper shoe selection, inadequate stretching prior to engaging in athletics, a short achilles tendon, direct trauma (injury) to the tendon, and heel bone deformity.  

Treatment and Prevention

Athletes, particularly runners, should incorporate a thorough stretching program to properly warm-up the muscles. They should decrease the distance of their walk or run, apply ice after the activity and avoid any uphill climbs. Athletes should use an orthotic device, heel cup, or heel cradle for extra support.   A heel cup or heel cradle elevates the heel to reduce stress and pressure on the achilles tendon. The device should be made with light-weight, shock absorbing materials. An orthotic device can be used to control over-pronation, support the longitudinal arch, and reduce stress on the achilles tendon.  

At our Toronto foot clinic, Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics, achilles tendonitis is a foot condition which we see and treat successfully quite often.  We are fortunate to have a 8 treatment rooms fully equipped with a vast array of physical therapy modalities including interferential current, laser, ultrasound, shockwave therapy, myopercussion and cryotherapy.  Also our foot specialists are trained in acupuncture, foot mobilization, active release therapy (ART) as well we practice conservative foot care where we avoid foot surgery and medications whenever possible as there has been no surgical technique invented or drug that does not carry with it side effects and in some cases life-threatening.  We realize the patient is always better off if drugs and surgery can be avoided.  

If you or a loved one requires honest, competent advice, foot care or high quality custom orthotics, please do not hesitate to contact us at 416-465-8737.

Remember, we always treat our beloved patients like family!  

Brought to you by Dr. John A. Hardy, owner of Academy Foot and Orthotic Clinics.

 

 

PROFESSIONAL FOOT CLINIC

416-465-8737

Toronto, ON Chiropodist Academy Foot and Orthotic

752 BROADVIEW AVENUE Toronto, ON M4K 2P1 

Across from the Broadview Subway | Professional Family Foot Care