Achilles Tendonitis/ Tendonosis
What are Achilles tendonitis/ tendonosis?
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due to small tears in the tendon. Tendonosis is degeneration (deterioration) of a tendon causing it to be weakened. The Achilles tendon is the tendon at the back of the heel bone (calcaneous) that joins the calf muscle to the heel bone.
Achilles tendonitis may present with a dull ache at rest, a sharp pain during activity, tenderness and swelling and pain and stiffness in the morning. This may be caused by a change in activity, change in footwear or over using the tendon. If not treated quickly and properly, it may progress to tendonosis.
Achilles tendonosis may or may not present with pain, and does not have redness and swelling. It occurs due to previous injury to the tendon.
How can a Chiropodist help?
A Chiropodist can instruct the patient on decreasing or changing their activity, provide information on different therapies to decrease inflammation (ex. Ultrasound therapy, heat, cold, contrast baths), give a heel lift to take pressure on the Achilles tendon, implement a stretching/ strengthening regimen, provide information on proper footwear, prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and prescribe custom foot orthotics.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
Tendonitis is inflammation of a tendon due to small tears in the tendon. Tendonosis is degeneration (deterioration) of a tendon causing it to be weakened. The Achilles tendon is the tendon at the back of the heel bone (calcaneous) that joins the calf muscle to the heel bone.
Achilles tendonitis may present with a dull ache at rest, a sharp pain during activity, tenderness and swelling and pain and stiffness in the morning. This may be caused by a change in activity, change in footwear or over using the tendon. If not treated quickly and properly, it may progress to tendonosis.
Achilles tendonosis may or may not present with pain, and does not have redness and swelling. It occurs due to previous injury to the tendon.
How can a Chiropodist help?
A Chiropodist can instruct the patient on decreasing or changing their activity, provide information on different therapies to decrease inflammation (ex. Ultrasound therapy, heat, cold, contrast baths), give a heel lift to take pressure on the Achilles tendon, implement a stretching/ strengthening regimen, provide information on proper footwear, prescribe anti-inflammatory medication and prescribe custom foot orthotics.
The information provided is intended for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a proper medical evaluation. Treatment options will vary from person to person.
