Achilles Tendonitis Treatment near Kingswood

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

Achilles Tendon Injuries

Achilles injury patients often mention they feel:

Morning Achilles tightness, particularly noticeable after a day of exercise or hiking

A sensation of pain and discomfort after participating in sports such as dance and football

The Achilles Tendon is usually subjected to three common 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, the most commonly seen Achilles Injury is Achilles Tendinitis, characterised by inflammation, thickening, and swelling of the tendon. As this condition tends to worsen over time, early treatment is essential.

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, we see athletes presenting with an Achilles Tendon injury which has dogged them for over half a year. At this progressed stage of pathology, the tendon make up has changed significantly, and the condition will be more difficult to treat.

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 Kingswood.

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.

At SA Running Injury Clinic, we provide a 7 Part Program to help decrease your Achilles Pain:

Recommend sneaker models suited to your unique foot profile
Correct poor foot biomechanics, walking, or running patterns using custom orthotics
Regimens of ice, stretching, massage, and dry needling
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
Apply strapping methods tailored to Achilles injuries
Gait retraining and improvement of running technique
Alter your running and training regimen