What is Achillodynia?

Achillodynia is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the heel bone.  It is an Achilles tendon overuse injury. The Achilles tendon is the body’s strongest tendon. It gives us a push when we walk, jump, or sprint. Achilles tendinitis most frequently happens in runners who have abruptly increased the intensity or duration of their runs, in sports like cricket, football, hockey, basketball, badminton, volleyball, & tennis

There are various signs such as:

• swelling,
• The back of your lower leg is warm and red.
• Stiffness & Pain in the back of your ankle about 2 inches above your heel or noticeable pain after you stretch your calf, after activity, and in the morning,
• thickening of the tendon, and
• a bone spur.

There are some causes of achillodynia you should take care of such as

• tight calf muscles due to improper stretching, and
• damage caused by repetitive overuse of the Achilles tendon for example from long-distance running might cause inflammation and searing pain in the rear of your ankle.
• Overpronation or rolling of your foot inward and flat feet.

If left untreated achillodynia sometimes causes deformity of the heel bone. If you are also suffering from Achillodynia (Achilles tendinitis) then come visit our clinic for the best treatment.

Some of the physiotherapy management for Achillodynia are:

• Customized orthotic foot insole can be used to reduce tension and relieve inflammation. It will also help you to reduce foot overpronation.
• Ankle support straps can also be used to help compress the tendon and lift the heel for some relief.
• You can try to wear athletic shoes with at least a one-inch heel.
• Wearing a night splint can help to gently stretch the tendon overnight.
• Use of Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT). The role of ESWT is increasing neovascularization, which means increasing the blood flow to the area, then increasing healing at a much quicker rate. It can also increase collagen synthesis, meaning that it strengthens the structure of the Achilles tendon and reduces the risk of recurrence of injury.
• Therapeutic ultrasound therapy.
• Cryotherapy to reduce pain.
• Cross-friction massage.
• Foam rolling the Achilles tendon area.
• Gastrocnemius & soleus stretch.
• Seated ankle pumps.
• Heel-raising exercise.
• Eccentric calf muscles exercise.
• Dry needling.
• Also, Kinesio taping, will support your calf muscle and get you relief from the pain.