How to Treat Achilles Tendinitis
Treating Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis is often associated with the development of trigger points in the Gastrocnemius, Plantaris, and Soleus muscles
Achilles Tendinitis is characterised by an injury to the achilles tendon mostly due to overuse. The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone.
It is used in many activities such as walking, running and jumping and unfortunately, is commonly injured.
Even though the achilles tendon can withstand the impact caused by running and jumping, it can also be affected by tendinitis, which is associated to overuse, degeneration and injury.
During achilles tendinitis, the tendon responds to an injury or disease with swelling, pain or irritation. In severe injuries to the achilles tendon, the tendon may tear partially or rupture completely.
Common Causes
Some of the most common causes of achilles tendinitis include:
• overuse of the achilles tendon
• increasing your level of physical activity too quickly and suddenly
• wearing high heels too often and for too long
• problems with feet such as flat feet - when muscles or tendons in the legs are too tight
Badly fitting foot wear can often lead to the formation of trigger points
Common Symptoms
Some of the common symptoms of achilles tendinitis include the following:
• Pain when stretching the ankle or standing on toes
• Tenderness
• Swelling
• Stiffness
• A snapping or popping sound during the injury
• Difficulties pointing the toes or flexing the foot
The degree of pain will vary depending on the damage to the tendon. The pain may be mild and worsen gradually if the Achilles Tendinitis is due to overuse or a non-serious injury.
If there is a rupture in the tendon, the pain can be abrupt and severe.
Gastrocnemius - Common Trigger Point Sites
Achilles Tendinitis and Trigger Points
Achilles Tendinitis is often associated with the development of trigger points in the Gastrocnemius, Plantaris, and Soleus muscles.
The Gold Standard in Continuing Education and Online Training
Massage Therapy, Sports Massage, Strength and Conditioning, Stretching, Mobilisation and Manipulation, Cranio-Sacral Therapy, IMS Dry Needling, Acupuncture, Acupressure, Trigger Point Therapy, IASTM, Resistance Training, Bowen Therapy, Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy, Podiatry, Oncology Massage, Sports Nutrition, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Somatic Therapy, Prenatal Bodywork and Massage, Anatomy, Biomechanics, Clinical Reasoning, Pilates, and Yoga.