The Achilles tendon is the large rope-like band of connective tissue you can feel behind your foot. If it gets irritated, it swells and is called tendonitis. It happens mostly with overuse or a surge in physical activity and is common in athletes and runners in particular.
Symptoms range from mild to pronounced discomfort, and you may feel a bump or swelling. Sometimes you can hear the tendon cracking when you move it. Other causes are flat feet, infection, or an injury to the Achilles tendon.
You can be back on your feet; you can do it faster with the correct treatment. This is a soft tissue injury. The goal is to discern what tissues are involved (it could include calf muscles, the thigh, and even the gluteous maximus).
Take Action! Visit a podiatrist who is trained in Sports Medicine. You will be given a biomechanical analysis to pinpoint your particular problem.
This video emphasizes treating each case of achilles tendonitus on an individual basis. Treatments range from active release (which breaks up scar tissue), and stretching. The end of the video shows various stretch manuevers. Compliments of Kinetic Health.
What to do:
If you are self-treating, your recovery time may be longer since the individual cause has not been identified. Tips:
Rest. Take it easy but don’t lie around and let the tendon stiffen, just avoid extreme activities so the tendon can heal.
Ice 20 minute periods every couple of hours
Compress with elastic bandage
This Achilles Healer:
- Reduces stress on Achilles tendon.
- Encourages faster heel rise.
- Has duel functioning, lightweight devices made of ProWrap allows for adjustable compression.
- Is worn directly against skin and inside most footwear.
- Provides immediate relief from pain.
Podiatrists and orthopedic specialists use this product to comfortably protect the back of the heel and the lower portion of the Achilles Tendon from pressure and friction. It protects these areas without slipping. It is composed of a comfortable elastic sleeve, with a long lasting gel cushion designed to absorb pressure and friction, rather than allowing these forces to "work" on the skin and soft tissue. The gel cushion is thin enough to fit in any shoe, yet it is durable and will provide you with comfort for many months. The entire guard is washable, including the gel cushion.
Elevation. Place up on a couple of pillows
Topical Treatment
ORTHOGEL Advanced Cold Therapy Pain Relief Gel is greaseless, stainless, and contains no lingering odor. The effects are deep penetrating and long lasting!
How To Prevent Achilles Tendinitis:
Stretch before activities. Stretches include calf stretches, achilles stretching, soleus, and hamstring stretches, as shown in the video. Tools are helpful as well.
The patented ProStretch conditioning and stretching devices isolates the lower leg muscles, tendons and ligaments for the ultimate deep stretch.
A favorite of physical therapists, trainers and pro athletes — just look closely on the sideline of an NBA, NFL, or NHL game and you’re likely to see a ProStretch. That’s because they’re proven to stretch the leg muscles easier and far more effectively than conventional methods.
Exercise both legs simultaneously to improve flexibility and alleviate injuries to the lower extremities. Instruction manual included.
- Work up to more difficult activities gradually
- If you have flat feet, get orthotics to support the arch of your foot
Powerstep full-length support
PowerstepÆ Full-Length features a prescription-like arch support encased in a unique double-layer cushioned insole, plus a contoured stabilizing heel cup.
It provides effective relief for heel and arch pain, generating rave reviews
· Berry insoles are made for those who stand for long periods of time or are active and feel any
foot soreness after activity or a long day.
· High-volume insoles take up extra volume in footwear, making them ideal for loose-fitting shoes
or narrow feet.
· Topsheets are treated with Agion™ to help inhibit odor-causing bacteria.
· Full-length closed-cell foam provides cushioning, while 3/4-length polypropylene heel caps
stabilize feet inside boots.
· Deep heel pockets, rockered bottoms and strategically placed new forefoot shock pads allow for
natural shock absorption.
· New self-moldable metatarsal domes sit precisely where needed to provide cushion and
alleviate pressure.
· Superfeet recommends this style for use in footwear with removable insoles; also suitable for
Gore-Tex footwear.
Synergizers in Various Colors; Synergizers for Men
If you are not seeing improvement of your Achilles tendon pain within a couple of weeks it’s time to see a podiatrist. Remember, the proper treatment will reduce your healing time substantially.
Downloadable Foot Pain Relief!
