Achilles tendonitis

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This is the most common type of Achilles tendon injury and can affect almost any sportsman's involved in running or jumping. It is a type of overuse injury and can result from excessive training or activity. Factors contributing to this injury are inadequate warm up and stretching prior to exercise, running on very soft surfaces (e.g. sand) or very hard surfaces, running uphill and wearing shoes with poor shock absorption qualities or a very flat, low heel. Others also prone to this injury are runners with flat feet or an exaggerated heel-to-toe running gait, sportsmen who exercise in cold weather, and women who regularly wear high heels and do not stretch adequately prior to exercise. The symptoms are pain in the region of the Achilles tendon, tenderness and diffuse swelling over the tendon. A ‘creaking’ sensation may be felt over the tendon on bending the ankle up and down. There is usually stiffness and pain on the following morning after exercise.

Rest is essential. Ice is recommended in the acute phase, followed later by heat and ultrasound. Heel raises can be worn (about 1cm) to take the strain off the injured tendon. when the pain and swelling has settled, gentle stretching and mobility exercises can be stated, followed later by strengthening and gradual return to activity.

If after trying the above your achilles tendinitis isn't improving, you are still in pain, it is restricting your movement or generally affecting your quality of life, please feel free to get in touch for a no obligation consultation at physiotherapy practice in Hull.

Patients GP should always be consulted to rule out any underlying medical condition.