Achilles Pain
|
|
Achilles Tendonitis means 'inflammation of the achilles tendon'. The achilles tendon is the longest tendon in the body and it connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel. When the calf muscles contract, they pull on the achilles tendon, causing the foot to point down and helping you to rise up onto your toes. Therefore, the achilles plays an important role in walking and running. Achilles pain occurs just above the back of the heel and often sufferers experience tightness in the calf muscles. The achilles tendon maybe noticably thickened and tender to the touch. Pain is present with walking and running, especially when pushing off on the toes. Some of the causes of achilles tendon pain is tightness of the calf muscles, degeneration of the tendon with age and the most common cause being over pronation (low arches or rolling in of the foot). Over-pronation occurs during walking and running, when the arch collapses upon weight-bearing. This increases the stress/strain on the achilles tendon. Other factors that lead to achilles tendonitis are poor footwear, inadequate stretching prior to engaging in sports or exercise, a short achilles tendon, direct trauma (injury) to the tendon and heel bone deformity. If you are experiencing a painful achilles tendon, we can help you by assessing the cause of your pain and follow a treatment plan that is suitable for you.
|