ACHILLES TENDON INJURIES
Achilles tendon injuries can range from mild inflammation (tendonitis) to more severe conditions like tendonosis (chronic degeneration) or a complete rupture. These injuries commonly occur due to overuse, sudden increases in activity, poor footwear or inadequate warm-up exercises. Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in both the management and rehabilitation of Achilles tendon injuries, helping patients recover strength, flexibility and function while minimising the risk of re-injury.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Injuries:
Types of Injuries:
Tendonitis: Inflammation of the Achilles tendon due to overuse or repetitive stress.
Tendonosis: Chronic degeneration of the tendon fibres, often resulting from untreated or recurrent tendonitis.
Tendon Rupture: A partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon, which typically requires surgical intervention.
Symptoms:
Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel or lower calf.
Swelling and tenderness in the Achilles tendon area.
Difficulty walking, especially uphill or on tiptoes.
Audible pop or snap at the time of injury (for ruptures).
How Physiotherapy Can Help:
Early Management and Pain Relief:
Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): Physiotherapists may initially recommend these measures to reduce inflammation and manage pain.
Activity Modification: Advising on modifications to activities or sports to avoid exacerbating the injury.
Manual Therapy and Rehabilitation:
Soft Tissue Techniques: Gentle massage and myofascial release to reduce muscle tension and promote healing.
Joint Mobilisation: Techniques to restore normal joint mechanics in the ankle and surrounding joints.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Tailored programs to improve flexibility and strength in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
Isometric and Eccentric Exercises: Specifically designed to load the Achilles tendon to promote tendon remodelling and strength.
Biomechanical Assessment and Correction:
Gait Analysis: Identifying abnormal movement patterns that may contribute to Achilles tendon stress.
Orthotic Prescription: Recommending appropriate footwear or orthotics to correct foot mechanics and reduce strain on the tendon.
Progressive Rehabilitation:
Gradual Return to Activity: Supervised progression back to normal activities or sports ensuring the tendon is sufficiently healed and strengthened.
Functional Training: Exercises to improve balance, agility and proprioception to reduce the risk of re-injury.
Patient Education and Prevention Strategies:
Self-management Techniques: Teaching techniques for self-massage, stretching, and icing to manage symptoms independently.
Injury Prevention: Providing guidance on proper warm-up routines, footwear selection and training modifications to prevent future Achilles tendon injuries.
Benefits of Physiotherapy for Achilles Tendon Injuries:
Non-Surgical Approach: Effective management and rehabilitation without the need for surgery in many cases.
Individualised Care: Tailored treatment plans based on the specific type and severity of the injury, as well as the patient's lifestyle and goals.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation: Addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of Achilles tendon injuries, promoting long-term recovery and reducing the risk of recurrence.
In conclusion, physiotherapy is instrumental in the treatment of Achilles tendon injuries, offering a structured approach to rehabilitation that aims to restore function, reduce pain and prevent future problems. Early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan guided by a physiotherapist can significantly improve outcomes and help patients return to their daily activities and sports with confidence.