Achilles tendon pain (not ruptured)

 

 

 

 

 


The achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in the body which connects the two calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the
back of the heel. The most common type of achilles pain seen in the clinic is achilles tendinopathy.

Everyday our muscles, tendons and ligaments are constantly being stretched and eventually can become slightly damaged. As a result, this damaging stimulates the body's healing response and heals the damaged structure. This all happens without us realising because the pain suffered is so minimal. The term "tendinopathy" implies that the tendon has suffered many episodes of tiny trauma and the body's healing mechanism has failed to kick in. As a result pain occurs.

"the majority of patients with pain in the achilles respond extremely well to tendon strengthening and advanced mobilisation techniques for the ankle joint. Quite often this is enough however in some cases then deep tissue massage usually reduces the symptoms completely" James Grigg

Common symptoms for Achilles tendinopathy

- Dull aching in tendon area
- Stiffness when waking up
- Stiffness before and after sport or exercise
- Tenderness to touch
- Reduced range of movement i.e. tighter calf muscles

Treatment

Treatment of an achilles tendinopathy usually involves strengthening of the tendon, deep tissue massage, advanced mobilisation techniques and correction of any underlying factors that may have led to the condition. Many patients only seek advice when the pain becomes too much, which means the rehabilitation will likely take longer as more damage will have been done. Achilles tendinopathy is a classic example of the sooner it's treated the better. There is always a reason why tendinopathies occur and the key is finding out that reason. Treating just the symptoms will most probably result in further episodes of pain.

At James Grigg Injury Clinic your footwear, training programmes, walking gait and joint range of movement will all be examined and corrected in order to reduce the symptoms and rid the underlying cause.

To receive the best treatment for your discomfort arrange an appointment today or if you have any questions please feel free to email