It's an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon, where the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. Achilles tendon pain can be sudden or ongoing depending on the degree of injury. Symptoms often include a throbbing, burning sensation that won't go away.
So what should you do? Well here at Vancity Physio, our expert Physiotherapists will be able to properly assess your condition and prescribe a treatment plan to best tailor your Achilles needs. Under the guidance of your therapist you will take on strengthening, flexibility and gait dynamics. During the initial assessment your physiotherapist will ask you to identify the location of your pain and address the swelling which often resides in the leg muscle and ankle region. Additional questions will address your pain threshold and whether there are any movements which make it worse such as climbing stairs, walking, running, or any movement where you are standing on your toe. Ice and massage therapy can also help relieve swelling and pain while loosening the surrounding muscle tissue. Before long, you will be back to enjoying not only your favorite activity, but daily activities.
What type of treatment to expect:
- Stretching and flexibility exercises. These are key to helping your tendon heal without shortening and causing long-term pain.
- Strengthening exercises. They will help you regain strength you might have lost while the tendon was healing which will help protect you from another injury.
- Ultrasound and Heat Therapy It improves blood circulation, which may aid the healing process.
- Deep massage. It helps you increase flexibility and blood circulation in the lower leg.
Can you fully recover from Achilles tendonitis?
Exercise, either with your physiotherapist or in a rehab program, can help the lower leg and ankle get strong and flexible again. The tendon will take weeks to months to heal. Although treatment for Achilles tendon problems takes time, it usually works. Most people can return to sports and other activities.
To speed the process, of recovery for Achilles Tendonitis you can:
Try icing it regularly, compress your leg, keep it elevated, take an anti inflammatory pain killer, use a heel lift but most importantly, practice stretching and strengthening exercises as recommended by your doctor, Physiotherapist or other health care provider.
Here at Vancity Physio we would be happy to help you with your recovery process for Achilles Tendonitis.
Book a consultation today: https://vancityphysio.janeapp.com/
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