Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
When there is pain in the back of the heel or a little higher up in the Achilles tendon this could be Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinopathy. The Achilles tendon is the tendon that attaches your calf muscles to the back of your heel bone.
Achilles tendonitis or tendinopathyis usually due to overuse, however, there are many predisposing factors that can give rise to this such as poor footwear, inadequate stretching before activity, biomechanical anomalies, specific types of activities like running or jumping sports. It normally presents as pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially when first starting an activity (like running) which may get better as you continue your activity. You might also notice some swelling, redness and warmth at the back of the heel and eventually a tender, hard lump might develop if left untreated for long enough. 
There are also two anatomical bursae(fluid filled sacks)at the back of your heel, one between your Achilles tendon and the heel bone and one between the Achilles tendon and the skin. These bursae are there to reduce friction in the area and they can also become implicated in this condition with resulting inflammation and pain. A bone spur may also develop on the back of the heel due to the excessive traction forces from the Achilles tendon.
If left untreated for a long period, a chronic Achilles tendonitis may cause a tear or rupture of the tendon.
See one of the Podiatrists at Balcatta Podiatry for treatment of Achilles tendonitis which may include, but is not limited to: Heel raises (to reduce the load on the Achilles tendon), orthotics (to correct biomechanical problems), footwear advice, activity modification, manual mobilization of the bones and joints of the foot, trigger point releases and dry needling.
If you’re living or working in Balcatta, Stirling, Gwellup, Balga and Hamersley book an appointment with us today, we’d love to help you!