This common problem occurs with overuse to the Achilles tendon. Most cases that we see involve patients that are overweight, on their feet for excessive periods of time and athletes. However, the reason why the Achilles tendon gets overworked is the real key. For most people who suffer from this problem, poor foot mechanics and tight chronically tight calves are the culprit. Look around you and you’ll see that we walk on concrete more than any other surface. As a result, our feet don’t get the chance to adapt to different surfaces. Couple this with jobs and activities that encourage us to abuse our feet and you begin to see how a problem can occur.
Early treatment may include NSAIDs, exercises and stretches, however, pain or reductions in performance for more than a few days can be due to abnormal mechanics which causes associated muscles and tissues to become overworked and damaged. This leads to repetitive injury, making successful resolution without invasive procedures more difficult, unless treated effectively.
Typically, plantar fasciitis is not difficult to resolve once the mechanics are restored. In light cases, soft tissue treatment and the purchase of better shoes is all that is needed. In more difficult cases, custom calibrated orthotics may be needed to give the proper support and change gait. An exam, including gait assessment is usually all that is needed to make the diagnosis.
This common problem occurs with overuse to the Achilles tendon or the achilles bursa. Most cases that we see involve patients that are overweight, on their feet for excessive periods of time and athletes. However, the reason why the Achilles tendon gets overworked is the real key. For most people who suffer from this problem, poor foot mechanics and tight chronically tight calves, friction and/or overuse are the culprit. Look around you and you’ll see that we walk on concrete more than any other surface. As a result, our feet don’t get the chance to adapt to different surfaces. Couple this with jobs and activities that encourage us to abuse our feet and you begin to see how a problem can occur.
Early treatment may include NSAIDs, exercises and stretches, however, pain or reductions in performance for more than a few days can be due to abnormal mechanics which causes associated muscles and tissues to become overworked and damaged. This leads to repetitive injury, making successful resolution without invasive procedures more difficult, unless treated effectively.
Typically, achilles tendonitis or achilles bursitis is not difficult to resolve once the mechanics are restored. In light cases, soft tissue treatment and the purchase of better shoes is all that is needed. In more difficult cases, more aggressive treatment using Active Release Technique, cross fiber friction massage and custom calibrated orthotics may be needed to break up dense scar tissue, get oxygen to the tissues so they can heal and correct gait. An exam, including gait assessment is usually all that is needed to make the diagnosis.
