GARY WEBB

Achilles Tendon Inflammation - How to Treat It



Posted: Thursday, July 09, 2009

by GARY WEBB
WEBB'S PODIATRY

What is it and How to manage it?

In cases of Achilles Tendon inflammation (Bursitis) there is inflammation to the bursa that surrounds the Achilles tendon. A bursa is a tiny sac of fluid that cushions the moving parts of the body such as muscles, tendons and bones, limiting friction between them. There are around 160 bursa in the human body, helping the body to keep moving. Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa.

Symptoms can include:

-Pain and irritation at the back of the heel.

-Redness and swelling of the ankle.

-Pain when extending the ankle.

-Stiffness of the lower leg that is worse in the mornings.

-Mild pain after exercising, that gradually increases.

Causes

Lack of flexibility in the calf muscle, resulting in overuse of the tendon.

Sprinting Exercise involving stair/hill climbing.

Flat feet

Ill-fitting shoes.

Overuse-Repeated stress on the Achilles tendon can lead to inflammation.

Conditions such as Rheumatoid Arthritis are more prone to tendon bursitis.

Treatment

-Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition, but common treatments to relieve or aid healing include:

Non- steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen can help relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

-Rest-This allows the condition to settle.

-Physiotherapy or Podiatry Treatment -This can help to strengthen weak muscles.

-Steroid injections can help but there can be a problem with risk of tendon rupture.

-Surgery -On rare occasions this is used to repair tears and remove fibrous tissue.

-Shoe inserts such as orthoses, or heel lifts-To reduce stress on the tendon. Heel elevation helps to tip the heel forwards and decrease the pitch angle. This also helps the foot to slide forward in the shoe, reducing pressure on the projection.

-Properly fitting shoes, which are deep with a wide toe box, lace up or Velcro-will help to control any external shearing forces.

Copyright Gary webb MChs 2009

Gary is the Proprietor of Webb's Podiatry and Medical; their aim is to give excellent customer service, coupled with good, clear technical advice to the public on foot health related matters, offering the very best in Chiropody/Podiatry and medical Products. Gary is a qualified Podiatrist specialising in Biomechanics, podiatric acupuncture and Remedial therapies.CV: Chiropodist/Podiatrist Health Professions Council Registered Member of the Society of Chiropodists and Podiatrists 1998 - Qualified at the Liverpool School in October 2005 – Completed Local Anaesthetics Part A exam with the Society (Including; Vascular Assessment, Neurological Assessment, Rheumatology, Diabetes, Wound Management and infection control). 2006 - 2007 - Completed LA Part B and Nail Surgery exam with Glasgow Caledonian University and Southern General Hospital, Glasgow. 2007 - 2009 - Post Graduate Certificate in Podiatric Musculoskeletal Medicine (PCMM) at the Nottingham School of Biomechanics, Sports and Remedial Therapies. 2009 - Foundation Certificate in Podiatric Acupuncture. Reiki, Tai Chi and Chi Gung Practitioner November 2007 - Level 3 Reiki Master Practitioner. June 1996 - Level 3 Business Administration

 

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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)
» left by Nenita Wells
 2 years 55 days ago.
298 fans.
Hi Gary.
 
Excellent article, well-written and very helpful.
 
Thank you for joining my fan club, I really appreciate it.
 
All the best to you,
 
Nenita
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