Achilles tendinopathy refers to changes affecting the Achilles tendon usually due to overuse and excessive chronic stress upon the tendon. It can be seen both in athletes and non-athletes.
The precise cause of tendonitis remains unclear. Even though tendonitis of the Achilles tendon is often connected to sports activities, the ailment is also often found in people who do not practice sports. The biggest cause is the excessive overload of the tendon.
POTENTIAL RISK FACTORS
- Obesity
- High blood pressure
- Rapid changed in load
- Type II Diabetes
- Prolonged steroid use
- Family history of tendinopathy
- Other factors include inappropriate footwear
TREATMENT
Achilles pain is very common in runners. Common belief is that rest works well in the treatment of Achilles tendonitis. As most people will testify, this in fact is not the case and careful management of this condition is needed.
An understanding of what has potentially caused the tendinopathy is important and education on an appropriate strategy to improve the capacity of the muscle and tendon to take load. Complete rest is usually not recommended. This will include controlled tendon loading which a physical therapist such as an osteopath can advise on.
One Such approach is eccentric loading, derived in part from an approach generally known as The Alfredson Protocol from the late 90s.
If you would like any advice on this or an assessment of your achilles pain or any other running injuries then please get in touch
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