Achilles Pain and Treatment

Achilles pain is usually associated with a tendinitis or more recently known as tendinopathy injury.  Achilles tendinopathy injuries are usually overuse injuries.  The condition usually presents as a achilles mid portion or insertional tendinopathy.  These conditions will typically start of with an acute presentation and can progress to a chronic complaint if they are not treated and management appropriately.  Achilles pain usually starts to develop when the tendon starts to find it difficult to manage the load being placed through it.  Some of the more common factors that predispose someone to developing achilles pain include:

  • Abnormal foot mechanics
  • Previous history of achilles pain
  • Poor muscle flexibility i.e calf tightness
  • Stiff ankle joints
  • Middle aged male
  • People with type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure
  • Obesity

Source:  http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendinitis/basics/risk-factors/con-20024518

There are also some other factors that may increase your risk of developing achilles pain.  These include:

  • Footwear
  • Running surfaces
  • Training program
  • Reduced recovery between training sessions

Achilles pain injuries are typically diagnosed through a detailed case history, physical assessment and imaging.  Treatment and management should focus on pain management, addressing any biomechanical issues such as restricted foot and ankle joints, tightness in lower limb muscles such as the calf muscles and reviewing the individuals lifestyle and exercise schedule.

Early treatment may involve:

  • Rest from aggravating activites.
  • Ice or heat.
  • Osteopathy/Manual therapy which may include soft tissue massage, stretching, dry needling, mobilisation of the restricted joints, taping of the foot to improve mechanics, shockwave therapy and exercise prescription.
  • Shockwave therapy.

If the individual does not respond to more conservative treatment, other treatment options that usually involve a referral to your sports medical doctor may include:

  • Nitrous Oxide Patches.
  • Corticosteroid injections.
  • Blood injections.
  • Surgery.

If you would like to ask more questions about the treatment and management of achilles pain, we would suggest giving us a call at Principle Four Osteopathy on 03 9670 9290 or emailing info@principle4.com.

Principle Four Osteopathy is one of Melbourne City CBD leading Osteopathy clinics. At the clinic we treat a wide range of clients, ranging from the office worker, exercise enthusiast to athlete. We have 3 experienced osteopaths working across both of the clinics.

The Melbourne City CBD clinic is located at 29 Somerset Place (basement), close to the corner of Elizabeth St and Little Bourke in the Melbourne City CBD. Our premises adjoin the Jon Weller Personal Training Studio, a fully-equipped training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials or specific training programs and rehabilitation.

The Docklands clinic is located at 717 Bourke St (Ground Floor), beneath the Channel 9 building near the walkway from Southern Cross Train Station to Etihad Stadium. Our premises adjoin Pilates on Bourke, a fully-equipped pilates and yoga training space which allows clients to combine their osteopathy treatment with exercise tutorials, pilates or specific training programs and rehabilitation.

To speak to an Osteopath or book an appointment at Principle Four Osteopathy, please book online or call 03 9670 9290.