Are you searching for a Brisbane Physiotherapist who’s an expert when it comes to Achilles Tendonitis Treatment?
North West Physiotherapy should be your top choice. Our team has put together this blog to answer a range of commonly asked questions about the condition.
In this blog we discuss symptoms and causes of Achillies Tendonitis, how the condition is diagnosed, and what can happen if it’s left untreated.
Ready to make an appointment with a qualified physio at one of our several north Brisbane locations? Click here.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles Tendonitis is one of the most frequent ankle and foot overuse injuries, which is a clinical syndrome characterised by the combination of pain, swelling, and impaired performance.
Achilles Tendonitis Symptoms
You may have Achilles Tendonitis if you have pain at the back of your heel or on your Achilles tendon.
It can be worse in the mornings and “warms-up” with movement and exercise.
Achilles Tendonitis Diagnosis
Achilles Tendinitis can be diagnosed by your physiotherapist – like a professional clinician at North West Physio – after a comprehensive physical and subjective assessment.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Athletes who do high volumes of running and/ or jumping are more susceptible to Achilles Tendonitis, although it can affect anyone.
There are many things which can cause or contribute to Achilles Tendonitis, including;
- An increase in sport or training,
- High volume repetitive movements such as running,
- Weakness and / or tightness in the calf muscles, and
- Occasionally biomechanical variances in foot posture.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Achilles tendonitis is treated through a combination of:
- Activity modification,
- Gradual loading and strengthening of the Achilles tendon, and
- Maintenance of other important muscles in the legs.
Our qualified physiotherapists work with each individual patient to develop a personalised treatment plan that’s suitable for them.
Exercises for Achilles Tendonitis
Exercises for Achillies tendinopathy primarily concentrate on gradual loading of the Achilles tendon through strengthening the calf muscles.
Some of these may include:
- Seated Heel Raises
- Standing Heel Raises
- Heel Drop
- Toe-to-wall Stretch, and
- Runner’s Stretch
Your physio will likely include some other exercises to help with balance and strengthening of other muscles.
This is modified and adapted for each patient and their every day/sports needs.
What Happens If Achilles Tendonitis Goes Untreated?
Tendinopathy is categorised into three different stages which are; reactive, disrepair and degenerative.
If untreated, Achilles tendinopathy will progress through these stages, with each phase requiring a longer duration to rehabilitate the tendon.
Each of these stages has different recovery time frames and in the later stages, pain-free function isn’t always achieved.
This can be addressed by an early diagnosis and a treatment plan from your physiotherapist.
Physio for Heel Pain
Think you may be experiencing Achilles Tendonitis?
Don’t hesitate to make an appointment with one of our trusted Brisbane physios today.
Click here to make a booking.
North West Physiotherapy is your one-stop pain relief and healthy living practice in Brisbane. With six clinics across North Brisbane; Everton Park, Keperra, Eatons Hill, Nundah, Lutchwyche and Newmarket, our aim is to provide holistic healthcare solution to suit your specific lifestyle.
Our services include Physiotherapy, Sports Physio, Hydrotherapy, Pilates, Podiatry, Dry Needling, Massage, Womens Health, and Seniors Strength and Balance Classes. Please note that services vary across our clinics.
Contact your local clinic to book an appointment.
