Achilles Tendinopathy
What is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Heel pain? Ankle pain? Pain with running or walking? It could be Achilles Tendinopathy!
Valued Health Osteopathy
3/658 Centre Rd, Bentleigh East, 3165
Achilles tendinopathy (previously known as achilles tendinitis) is a common condition in runners.¹
The achilles tendon is a thick band of tissue which arises from the soleus and gastrocnemius (calf muscles) and inserts at the calcaneus (back of the heel).² The achilles tendon is responsible for pulling on the heel of the foot to allow us to walk, run and jump.²
Achilles tendinopathy is considered an overuse injury and can be caused by a sudden increase in the intensity, frequency or duration of an activity; or reduced recovery time between activity.²
Other risk factors for achilles tendinopathy include reduced plantar flexor strength, reduced ankle dorsiflexion and abnormal gait patterns.¹
Patients often present with pain localised to the achilles tendon, reduced range of motion and sometimes a thickened achilles tendon.² Stretching the achilles, running up hills or on a soft surface such as the beach may aggravate symptoms. This is due to the increase in ankle dorsiflexion which is where compression of the tendon is at its greatest.³
Initial treatment for Achilles tendinopathy should be aimed at reducing pain and improving calf strength.³ A rehabilitation program should then move towards a focus on the power of the whole kinetic chain and movement control during jumping and landing with retraining movements specific to the tendon in that sport/activity.³
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As always, if you have any questions do not hesitate to contact one of our lovely reception staff or Osteopaths at the clinic on (03) 9570 9061 so we can help you Move, Grow and Thrive!
You do not need a referral to see one of our friendly Osteopaths at Valued Health Osteopathy. We have a very good relationship with many surrounding doctors, other health practitioners and personal trainers in the local community of Bentleigh East , Bentleigh, Ormond, McKinnon, Oakleigh, Carnegie, Caulfield, Moorabbin, Murrumbeena, Brighton, Clayton and Clarinda.
Valued Health Osteopathy offers:
Scoliosis Assessment & Treatments
Ergonomic Workstation Assessments
Massage Therapy
Exercise Rehabilitation
Strength & Conditioning
Valued Health Osteopathy is open 6 days a week with early morning and evening appointments. Move better with Osteopathy!
Valued Health Osteopathy is located at 3/658 Centre Road, Bentleigh East, Melbourne, Victoria, 3165.
Valued Health Osteopathy | Osteopathy Australia
Osteopath Bentleigh East, Osteopath Bentleigh, Osteopath Ormond, Osteopath McKinnon, Osteopath Moorabbin, Osteopath Murrumbeena, Osteopath Oakleigh, Osteopath Carnegie, Osteopath Caulfield, Osteopath Clayton, Osteopath Brighton and Osteopath Cheltenham, Osteopath Dingley, Osteopath Beaumaris, Osteopath Melbourne
References
1. van der Vlist A, Breda S, Oei E, Verhaar J, de Vos R. Clinical risk factors for Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review. British Journal of Sports Medicine. 2019;53(21):1352-1361.
2. Fares M, Khachfe H, Salhab H, Zbib J, Fares Y, Fares J. Achilles tendinopathy: Exploring injury characteristics and current treatment modalities. The Foot. 2020;:101715.
3. Ganderton C, Cook J, Docking S, Rio E, van Ark M, Gaida J. Achilles tendinopathy: understanding the key concepts to improve clinical management. Australasian Musculoskeletal Medicine. 2020;19(2).
