Achilles Tendonitis Treatment near Hazelwood Park
At SA Running Injury Clinic, located near Hazelwood Park, Achilles Tendon Issues rank among the top three injuries we encounter.
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
- A sensation of pain and discomfort after participating in sports such as 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.
Morning stiffness at the back of the foot is a typical symptom, which improves with exercise as the body warms up but returns when it cools down. In the initial stages, the site is attended by cells trying to manage the inflammation, allowing for easier treatment and rapid recovery. If left untreated for more than 6 months, it can develop into Achilles Tendinosis (see below), potentially taking 6-12 months to recover.
Achilles Tendinosis/Tendonopathy
We frequently encounter athletes at SA Running Injury Clinic who have been dealing with an Achilles Tendon injury for more than half a year. At this later stage, significant changes in tendon composition occur, complicating the treatment process.
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 Hazelwood Park.
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis
Retrocalcaneal Bursitis is a more complex injury we occasionally treat. It involves inflammation of the fluid-like sac between the heel bone and the Achilles tendon. Typically, this condition includes a protruding bony bump on the outside-top border of the back of the heel, called a Haglund's deformity.
SA Running Injury Clinic offers a 7 Part Program designed to alleviate your Achilles Pain:
- Advise of sneaker models appropriate to your specific foot profile
- Rectify poor foot biomechanics and gait issues with custom orthotics
- Implement ice, stretching, massage, and dry needling routines
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
- Specialised strapping for Achilles injuries
- Gait retraining and running technique enhancement
- Adjust your running and training program
Manage your Achilles Tendon Injury
Appointments near Hazelwood Park can be booked at SA Running Injury Clinic online or by calling. Please note that we have two clinic sites.
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, North Adelaide : 8239 1022
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, Eastwood : 8357 0700