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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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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:

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Jun 29

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