Achilles Tendonitis Treatment near Kingswood
SA Running Injury Clinic, near Kingswood, commonly treats Achilles Tendon Injuries, one of the top three injuries we encounter.
Achilles Tendon Injuries
Athletes coming to us with Achilles injuries report experiencing:
- Tightness in the Achilles, often in the morning following a day of activity such as exercising or hiking
- Feeling pain and discomfort following participation in sports like dance and football
There are three prevalent injuries that generally impact the Achilles Tendon:
- 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 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
- Rectify poor foot biomechanics and gait issues with custom orthotics
- Ice/Stretching/Massage/Dry Needling Regimes
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
- Achilles injury specific strapping
- Gait retraining and running technique enhancement
- Change your running and training schedule
Address your Achilles Tendon Injury
To schedule an appointment near Kingswood, contact SA Running Injury Clinic online or via phone. Remember, we operate two clinics.
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, North Adelaide : 8239 1022
Call SA Running Injury Clinic, Eastwood : 8357 0700