Achilles Tendinitis?

Question

I was diagnosed with Achilles Tendinitis, and was given meds and told just rest when it happens and what not.. More recently, it's been hurting a lot, even traveling up to my calf! The other night I was on tip toes trying to reach something when I felt the back of my ankle tear.. gross! I made an appointment with the doc, but what is the normal procedure for this besides painkillers and rest? Has anyone else had this problem or situation happen to them? How did your doc go about it?

Answer 1

Treatment of achilles tendonitis (tendinitis)
Rest and apply cold therapy or ice (not directly onto the skin).
Wear a heel pad to raise the heel and take some of the strain off the achilles tendon. This should be a temporary measure while the achilles tendon is healing.
See a sports injury professional who can advise on treatment and rehabilitation.

What can a Sports Injury Therapist or Doctor do?
Prescribe anti-inflammatory medication.
Identify the causes and prescribe orthotics or a change in training methods.
Tape the back of the leg to support the tendon.
Apply a plaster cast if it is really bad.
Use ultrasound treatment.
Apply sports massage techniques.
Prescribe a rehabilitation programme.
Some might give a steroid injection however an injection directly into the tendon is not recommended. Some specialists believe this can increase the risk of a total rupture.
Scan with an MRI or Ultrasound - see latest research for more info.

If you look after this injury early enough you should make a good recovery. It is important you rehabilitate the tendon properly after it has recovered or the injury will return. If you ignore the early warning signs and do not look after this injury then it may become chronic which is very difficult to treat.

Cold Therapy Wraps - can be wrapped around to apply cold and compression reducing pain and inflammation.

Arch Support Insoles - or orthotic type insoles which give firm support for the arch of the foot can help prevent over pronation and improve foot biomechanics. Overpronation of the foot causes the achilles tendon to twist, increasing the stress on it.

Slant Board - this is excellent for applying an accurate and gradual stretch to the calf muscles. It is easy to identify and difference in calf muscle flexibility when stretching both legs at once. Stretching can be progressively increased and a much greater degree of stretching is possible over achilles stretches on the floor.

Achilles tendon straps - this wraps around the ankle and applies gentlr pressure onto the achilles tendon. It works by reducing the shock and tension in the achilles tendon in the same was as a tennis elbow support works.

Heel Pads - can slightly raise the heels which temporarily shortens the calf muscles reducing stress on the achilles tendons. Also reduces shock which may also reduce stresses on the tendon.

Night Splint - is worn over night to apply a very gentle stretch and prevent tightening of the achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Mainly advertised as plantar fasciitis night splints they are also excellent for achilles / calf muscle flexibility.
Similar / related injuries:

Answer 2

Billie77 gave great info. In addition to that I have learned from experience to gently stretch the Achilles tendons before I get out of bed in the morning and before I stand if I have been sitting for a while. This seems to prevent the shock of immediate use.