Achilles Tendonitis Treatment Ballarat
Gain professional, comprehensive support for achilles tendonitis.
Managing achilles tendon injuries and heel pain
The Achilles tendon is easy to overlook, however, it is pivotal to many moves you make each and every day. This important tendon sits behind your ankle and allows you to lift your foot and push off the ground, helping you to participate in activities from walking to jumping. When you’ve injured your Achilles tendon, it may cause significant pain in the heel or lower leg.
Despite the size and strength of this tendon, injuries may affect it, and these have the potential to cause significant interference to daily life. Many patients with Achilles tendonitis seek treatment because of reduced mobility and marked heel pain. We provide Achilles tendonitis treatment in designed to assist you towards improving function and comfort.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon consists of thick soft tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It provides movement, stability, and power.
Sometimes, this tendon can become irritated and inflamed. This may occur due to various reasons. Common causes include:
- Overuse
- Repetitive movements
- Excessive strain
- Poor foot function
- Previous injury
- A sudden increase in the amount of exercise undertaken
- Inappropriate footwear creating increased pulling forces on the calf and tendon
The longer the condition continues, the more likely further damage can result, such as fibre deterioration, weakness, and structural changes. This is why seeking assessment and treatment from an experienced professional may be advantageous.
There are two main types of Achilles tendonitis:
NON-INSERTIONAL ACHILLES TENDONITIS
This condition involves the upper part of the tendon, several centimetres above the heel. It is often caused by sporting injuries.
INSERTIONAL ACHILLES TENDONITIS
This condition affects the part of the Achilles tendon that is closest to the heel bone. Risk factors for this type include long-term excessive loads and increased age. This condition may become chronic.
What are the symptoms of achilles tendonitis?
The symptoms of Achilles tendonitis can be mild to severe, and may change throughout the day. They may include:
- Swelling along the tendon. This may be more prominent in non-insertional cases
- Discomfort at the site, particularly during or following activities such as walking or running
- Stiffness. This is often more noticeable after periods of rest, such as first thing in the morning
- Reduced mobility and range of motion
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Treatment for Achilles tendonitis is individualised to target specific symptoms and factors. It primarily involves the following goals:
- Pain relief and management
- Reduced swelling
- Improved movement
At Ballarat Podiatrist , we may include a range of treatment options depending on your needs and target outcomes. These may include one or more of the following:
- Shockwave therapy
- Manual therapy
- Exercise prescription
- Custom orthotics
- Strapping
If we believe further assessment is needed we may suggest a visit to your GP for assessment and referral.
Your Achilles Tendonitis Questions Answered
We will undertake a comprehensive assessment, which includes a physical evaluation, a medical history, and discussion regarding symptoms and potential causes. We may require imaging to be carried out to help us confirm the diagnosis.
This form of treatment is non-invasive and involves an applicator that is placed gently on the affected area. This omits sound waves that aim to encourage healing, improve blood flow, and reduce pain and swelling. There may be some mild discomfort while the applicator is against your skin, however, this usually eases soon after treatment.
There are several reasons why these symptoms may arise. That is why it is important to seek professional care to take the correct steps towards management and prevention of further damage.
This is dependent on the extent of your injury and symptoms and at what stage of recovery you are in. We will discuss with you the predicted course of treatment and what this may involve and will maintain regular feedback on your progress.
This condition has the potential to be serious and may lead to further damage. The issue may persist for a long time and problems such as rupture of the Achilles tendon may occur if untreated.
Why Choose Ballarat Podiatrist ?
At Ballarat Podiatrist , we are proud to provide care to our local community. We look forward to meeting you and providing a high standard of support and service.
Dedication
The teams at our Ballarat clinics are passionate and highly experienced. We are constantly working to improve ourselves professionally so that we can deliver the best care possible.
Client Centered Care
We put our patients first and strive for optimal outcomes. Your podiatrist will listen to your goals and concerns and determine the most appropriate course of action.
High Quality Service
Our top priority is providing our patients with care involving evidence-based knowledge and techniques as well as outstanding resources and equipment.
Seek Support for
Achilles Tendonitis Today
If you are dealing with heel pain, reduced functionality, and inflammation, please contact us today. We will organise an appointment for you as soon as possible to begin assisting you towards a better outcome.
