Achilles tendonitis as the name implies is an overload injury to the Achilles tendon, which is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscles in the lower leg to the heel bone.
It occurs more frequently, in runners who increase the intensity or duration of their runs suddenly or is also frequent among middle-aged people who play sports.
How it starts:
The pain associated with Aquilea tendinitis begins with mild pain in the back of the leg or above the ankle after running or playing another sport.
Risk factor’s:
There are several factors that can increase the risk of Achilles tendonitis, including:
- Sex. Males suffer from Aquilea tendinitis more frequently.
- Age. Aquilea tendinitis is more common as you get older.
- Physical problems. Flat foot or obesity.
- Training options. If you run with worn shoes and in mountainous terrain it can predispose you to suffer this injury.
Complications:
Achilles tendinitis can weaken the tendon and this makes it more prone to a tear or rupture, a painful injury that usually needs surgical repair.
Physiotherapy treatment:
- Shock wave therapy will be applied to the area to be treated as well as the muscles around the lesion starting with low intensities 1.5-2.0 bars, 10 HZ with 3,000 shots, according to the evolution of the patient the intensity will be increased of therapy.
- Application of electrostimulation with interferential current modulated at 2000 HZ, spectrum from 45 to 50 HZ and wave amplitude of 90 HZ, accompanied by CHC for 15 minutes for disinflammatory and analgesic purposes.
- With the help of the Power Plate platform, the patient will be shown to perform stretches for the area to be treated as well as a massage option for lymphatic drainage to favor inflammation and strengthening, balance and proprioception exercises.
Prevention:
Although it may not be possible to prevent Achilles tendinitis, but you can take certain precautions to reduce the risk of having it:
Use of orthopedic insoles:
The main function of the insole is to provide adequate cushioning for the heel by having a firm support for the plantar arch, in order to help reduce the tension in the Achilles tendon, it is also necessary to take into account, having appropriate footwear and that is not worn.
For this, the patient will undergo a personalized baropodometry study where any type of weight load dismetry will be detected and corrected at the different points of support on the foot, providing the best support for the absorption of heel shock with the ground.
“In this same way, the physical therapist will recommend the best template option for you.”
Treatment duration 45 minutes.
