Achilles Tendinopathy
Our physios here at move physio pilates discuss achillies tendinopathy and how best to deal with the symptoms and management.
What is it?
Achilles tendinopathy presents as pain, inflammation and thickening of the achilles tendon - this injury isn’t uncommon and occurs in about 8% of runners.
What are the symptoms?
Onset of symptoms is usually associated with running based activities, jumping or in severe cases - by walking. It is typically sore in the morning or after periods of rest and it will be sore to get going but the pain usually subsides as you continue to exercise and the blood gets pumping - pain can sometimes resume after you cool down.
HOT TIP; If it is pain free when you stretch but sore when you squeeze your achilles - there is a good chance that achilles tendinopathy is what is causing your symptoms.
Why might it happen to me?
Like many running injuries, this is an overuse injury - where load exceeds your body’s capacity to absorb it. You may also be more at risk if
You are male
You have reduced calf strength/ power,
You have reduced ankle mobility (dorsiflexion)
Your have an increased BMI
You have excessive pronation
If your load increases suddenly or decreases then increases again in a short space of time
Incorrect footwear may also put you more at risk
What are my treatment options?
Whilst this injury is usually one you can continue to exercise with, it can be a long road until full
resolution - up to 12 months.
The good news is that as the patient - you are in control - consistent and ongoing self management will usually lead to slow improvement but be cautious as this injury can be quick to aggravate.
Rest is not rehab and you should work with a physio on a suitable lower length strength program to help reduce symptoms, reduce future risk and to ensure you are able to exercise with a low pain level through this injury.
As always, you should ensure that your exercise program includes adequate recovery, suitable loading and you should never always try to eat and sleep as well as possible to boost recovery and adaption from your training.
Prevention?
To mitigate risk, you should avoid large, rapid changes in your training load, you should wear adequate footwear and you should keep your lower legs as strong as possible.
If you are unsure if this is your problem or if you need guidance on treatment or prevention, please book an appointment with one of our physios today.