Achilles Tendon Injury
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
• Pain along the Achilles tendon during/after activity
• Swelling over the distal 1-3 inches of the Achilles tendon
• Tender to touch
• Pain associated with or when trying to raise up on the toes, or with stretching of the calf/Achilles tendon
• Limited range of motion and stiffness
What are some of the Symptoms?
• Achilles Tendonitis
• An inflammation of the tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus)
• May be small tears in the tendon from overuse
• Achilles rupture
• Weakening of the collagen fibers of the tendon leading to partial tearing or rupture (complete tear) of the tendon away from the heel
• Rupture noted by inability to raise up on toes or push off with ball of foot in walking
• Inflammation of the vascular sheath that covers the Achilles tendon
• May even be caused by the shoe counter rubbing on the heel
What are some of the causes of Achilles Tendonitis?
• Tight calf muscles ( the gastroc and/or soleus) and tight achilles tendon.
• Often with increasing age, there is decreasing flexibility
• Increasing the amount or intensity of training - uphill running, or stair climbing
• Flat pronated feet add stress to the soleus and rigid, high arched feet add stress to the gastrocnemius
• Poor support on the inside of a shoe or in the shoe's foundation/upper can add to the stress on the foot - thus increasing calf stress
• Change in the heel height of one's shoes (from training shoes to racing flats, heels to flats etc.)
How can Footpro help with Achilles Tendonitis?
Step 1 Analysis
The video analysis allows our technicians to asses a variety of factors that can influence the occurrence of Achilles Tendonitis. The rate at which the foot passes across the ground and the amount of pronation/supination present are two major factors which impact the severity of Achilles tendon strain.
The relationship between running barefoot and in shoes is helpful in figuring out whether the shoe setup is exaggerating the pain felt through the Achilles. Appropriate stretching of different muscle groups can also help reduce the tension felt through the Achilles.
The Footscan information is very important in looking at differences in timing of timing left/right side. Any asymmetries present in foot strike, arch height, or pressure distribution will cause the body to compensate and can make the Achilles tendon area more prone to injury.
Step 2 Custom Insole
The foot is a gateway to the rest of the body and if held correctly can have a positive effect on the adjoining muscle groups. If the foot is in the incorrect position then this will place more lateral tension through the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon primarily works in one direction and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Excessive sideways motion can pull the tendon beyond is natural range of movement.
A custom insole will help to accommodate the foot's natural arch and structure whilst keeping the heel bone in a neutral position when combined with the appropriate footwear.
Step 3 Footwear
The proper footwear is the foundation for the foot and body to achieve an optimal biomechanical position. Shoes which are not correctly aligned and are too worn or old will place huge stresses and load through the Achilles tendon.
The right balance between cushioning and control has to be achieved in order to maintain the correct position of the heel bone and lower leg. The construction of a custom insole will allow our technicians to finish off the manufacturing process and provide you the best possibility of running injury free.
