More about Achilles Tendon Problems...
Common Causes
- Tight Calf Muscles
- Increased activity over and above what you were doing previously, especially walking uphill or up the stairs
- Wearing incorrect unsupportive shoes
- Your feet being allowed to roll inwards (Pronation)
- One leg being longer than the other one (Leg Length Discrepancy)
Main Symptoms
- Sharp or burning pain about two inches above the back of your heel.
- Mild to moderate swelling.
- The tendon may be thicker on one foot than the other one.
- You may be able to feel small lumps along the tendon.
- You may be able to hear a crackling sound when you move your ankle.
Cathy Bowen
MSc DPodM ILTM, Podiatrist
Achilles Tendon Problems
Suggested Treatments for Achilles Tendon Problems
Rest.
Reduce your activity levels.
Try not to walk in flat shoes or barefoot.
Use a heel lift in your shoe to
reduce tension over the area.
Use cold therapy to reduce the swelling - an ice pack for 20 minutes x
three times per day.
The use of orthotics to control rearfoot pronation may be useful.
Once the
problem has settled down ease back into activity gradually.
Gently stretch the
area whenever you are going back to activity levels that have previously
prompted the problem to occur – reducing the chances of more achilles tendon
problems.
Achilles
injuries can be stubborn. If your pain has been present on and off for a
number of years then consulting with a specialist podiatrist, or contacting
your GP for referral to a physiotherapist or, in severe cases an orthopaedic
surgeon, may be the best option.
Other customers have found these useful for Achilles Tendon Problems...
 90° Night Splint |
 Air Gel Ankle Brace |
 Swede-O Ankle Lok Brace |
 Swede-O X8 Ankle Brace (1) |
Treating your condition
The Traffic Light symbol at the top of each condition page indicates the way you should approach it:
Red: Seek professional help immediately, either from a suitably qualified Podiatrist or Physiotherapist.
Amber: You can treat this condition yourself BUT you should seek professional help if you want reassurance that what you are doing is the best approach for you.
Green: You can treat this condition yourself if you feel comfortable doing so. However, for further reassurance it might be as well to talk the condition through with a suitably qualified Podiatrist.
Remember this advice is for guidance only and if you are in any doubt at all, please consult your nearest HPC Registered Podiatrist.