What is Achilles’ tendonitis?
The Achilles’ tendon provides a connection between the heel bone and the muscles in the back of the calf. Achilles’ tendon injury is usually a rupture or tear in the tendon slightly above the heel.
The Achilles’ tendon is made up of a strong fibrous cord capable of withstanding and transmitting tensions generated by the powerful calf muscles that control and move the foot.
An Achilles’ tendon injury can be experienced during occasional everyday exercise or professional and competitive sport. This tear or rupture injury can be common amongst those involved in gymnastics, or a sport when a person lands incorrectly on their feet.
The Achilles’ tendon is made up of a strong fibrous cord capable of withstanding and transmitting tensions generated by the powerful calf muscles that control and move the foot.
An Achilles’ tendon injury can be experienced during occasional everyday exercise or professional and competitive sport. This tear or rupture injury can be common amongst those involved in gymnastics, or a sport when a person lands incorrectly on their feet.
Cause of Achilles’ tendonitis injury, pain or damage
Professional advice
It is important to seek immediate medical care and get a prompt and accurate diagnosis for any physical injury, pain, sprain, strain, cramp, rupture, tear or damage to determine the severity of the injury and receive proper treatment.
If you are involved in sporting activities or training exercises, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional sports medicine specialist or physical therapist so you can develop proper training exercises that can help reduce the risk of further injury or damage. Proper guidance and advice can provide you with the necessary instructions on preventing and reducing the risk of injuries.
If you are involved in sporting activities or training exercises, it is advisable to seek advice from a professional sports medicine specialist or physical therapist so you can develop proper training exercises that can help reduce the risk of further injury or damage. Proper guidance and advice can provide you with the necessary instructions on preventing and reducing the risk of injuries.
- Always start with slow and gentle ‘warm-up exercises’ prior to any physical work or sporting activity
- Applying an ice-pack or heated wheat-pack to the painful area for 10-15 minutes 2-3 times daily may help to reduce levels of inflammation pain and swelling
- Swimming or water aerobics can be a very helpful activity for your overall body
- Exercising in the pool may be beneficial if you cannot swim, as the buoyancy of the water reduces the weight on your joints. This can be beneficial for overall exercise or following any injury of any kind to the physical body
- You may find that a reduction in any strenuous activity may help to improve any pain or discomfort.
- Maintain a healthy weight level. If you are carrying excess weight this in itself can put added stress on your joints
- Choose appropriate footwear for normal activities or when involved in a particular sport or exercise programme
- Maintain good physical health, strength and flexibility
- As in many cases of injury you may be advised to rest for a number of days or weeks to reduce the risk of further damage, inflammation or injury
- Following a restful period, you may be able to return to exercise, but avoid any activity likely to aggravate the pain or injury
- Protect your heel and foot from any further injuries
- Avoid putting pressure on the heel and foot and rest it as much as possible
- Be cautious of over-exercising and over-straining the foot, ankle and leg or putting unnecessary strain on the Achilles’ tendon which may cause a setback
Self-help, self-care & self-healing options
Having received a professional diagnosis and medical attention, you have the choice of applying self-healing techniques which may help to accelerate and hasten the healing process and may also help as a preventative measure against future or further injuries, sprains, strains, cramps or physical discomfort.
Register today and start your self-healing journey straight away!
