Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis is a common overuse injury that is caused by excessive tendon load in compression against the heel bone. Pain is usually found in the lower part of the calf or heel bone, where the Achilles tendon attaches.

Several factors may lead to the development of this condition and often takes a bit of time and thorough management for a complete recovery. Contributing factors include:

  • Sudden change in training load or frequency.

  • Footwear not suited for the activity you are undertaking.

  • Lack of flexibility.

  • Stiffness in the Achilles tendon.

  • Poor foot or ankle biomechanics.

Treatment

As mentioned before, treatment is a gradual process and requires a combination of the following:

  • Anti-inflammatory/analgesics for acute pain relief.

  • Stretching and strengthening programs (e.g. the Alfredson protocol).

  • Activity modification.

  • Footwear advice.

  • Orthotic therapy.

The Achilles tendon is situated in a way where blood flow is limited. Therefore, early detection and management is essential for quicker recovery. In the worst case scenario, undetected or poorly managed Achilles tendonitis can lead to complete rupture of the tendon and surgical intervention would be your only option.