Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles tendon. It is a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness of the Achilles tendon that joins your heel bone to your calf muscles. Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon that causes tearing of the fibres the make up the tendon. The Achilles tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.
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The main symptoms include pain and stiffness which tend to develop gradually. Some people have pain during exercise but in general pain is worse after exercise. Runners may notice pain at the beginning of their run, which then tends to ease and become more bearable, followed by an increase in pain when they have stopped running.​
What causes it?
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Overuse of the Achilles tendon.
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Age. Achilles tendinitis is more common as you age.
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Training or exercising wearing inappropriate footwear.
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Physical problems. A naturally flat arch in your foot can put more strain on the Achilles tendon. Obesity and tight calf muscles also can increase tendon strain.
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Making a change to your training programme - for example, rapidly increasing the intensity of your training and how often you train.
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Having poor training or exercising techniques - for example, a poor running technique.
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Treatment at Exeter Health Plus typically includes a wide range of techniques tailored to each patient. Treatment generally includes a combination of:
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MLS Laser Therapy (class IV laser therapy)
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Therapeutic massage
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Acupuncture
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Muscle stretches and exercises
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Advice
