Achilles Tendonitis Treatment near Joslin

SA Running Injury Clinic, near Joslin, frequently encounters Achilles Tendon Injuries among our top three common injuries.

Achilles Tendon Injuries

Athletes coming to us with Achilles injuries report experiencing:

Tightness in the Achilles, predominantly in the morning and especially following active days of exercise or hiking

Pain and discomfort felt after engaging in activities like dance and football

The Achilles Tendon commonly suffers from three types of injuries:

Achilles Tendinitis (Achilles Tendon inflammation)
Achilles Tendinosis/Tendonopathy (Achilles Tendon degeneration)
Retrocalneal Bursitis

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment (Achilles Tendonitis Treatment)

Achilles Tendinitis (Achilles Tendonitis)

At SA Running Injury Clinic, Achilles Tendinitis is the most common presenting Achilles Injury. In Achilles Tendonitis, the achilles becomes inflamed. This is combined with the tendon thickening and swelling. Achilles Tendonitis progresses and gets worse over time, that's why it's important to treat it as soon as it presents itself.

It often presents itself as stiffness at the back of the foot, especially when rising in the morning. Usually, this condition improves with exercise when the body is warm, but the stiffness returns after the body cools down again. During early stages of pathology, the site is attended by cells that try to control the inflammation. At this point, the condition is still easy to treat and has a fast recovery time. If left for over 6 months, it may develop into Achilles Tendinosis (see below) which may take 6-12 months to recover.

Achilles Tendinosis/Tendonopathy

At SA Running Injury Clinic, athletes often come to us with Achilles Tendon injuries that have persisted for over six months. By this advanced stage, the tendon structure has altered considerably, making the condition harder to address.

Achilles Tendinopathy, also referred to as Achilles Tendinosis, is an advanced form of chronic Achilles Tendinitis not marked by inflammation. Those with this condition have tendons with micro tear breakdown, thickening, and scarring. There is generally no warmth or redness at this stage, but the area is still painful when touched. SA Running Injury Clinic frequently handles Achilles injuries, serving patients from various nearby suburbs, including Joslin.

Retrocalcaneal Bursitis

We sometimes deal with a more complicated injury called Retrocalcaneal Bursitis. This condition refers to inflammation within the fluid-filled sac between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. It often involves a bony bump on the outside-top border of the back of the heel, identified as a Haglund's deformity.

Our 7 Part Program at SA Running Injury Clinic aims to lessen your Achilles Pain: