Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles Tendon connects your calf muscle to the bone in the heel of your foot.  Achilles Tendonopathy occurs when small tears form in the fibres, similar to Plantar Fasciitis.  Symptoms consist of pain just above the heel bone, which develops gradually.  The pain generally worsens and  can feel stiff, warm and inflamed.  This may cause you to limp.

Achilles Tendonopathy is usually caused by overuse and is a very common sports injury that involves running, jumping and rapid turning.

You can suffer from Achilles Tendonopathy if:

• You increase activity levels (for example speed or mileage)
• Not enough or wrong types of supportive training shoes are worn
• There is poor flexibility in the ankle joint
• You have poor biomechanics in your feet and lower limb (for example flat feet)
• You wear inappropriate footwear (for example high heels)

Achilles Tendonopathy requires urgent treatment by either a Podiatrist, General Practitioner or Physiotherapist.  Treatment may include: Bespoke orthoses to realign the Achilles Tendon, a series of stretching exercises, massage or ultra sound.  Surgery may also be considered as a very last resort when all conservative treatments have been exhausted.

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