The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body, located between the calf muscles and the heel. It helps us walk, run, jump, and maintain stability while standing. When engaging in activities that require tiptoe motions, the Achilles tendon bears significant pressure. This is why athletes, especially runners and basketball players, are prone to Achilles tendon problems. If the issue becomes severe, it can lead to difficulties in walking.
How to Diagnose Achilles Tendonitis?
The diagnosis of Achilles tendonitis usually starts with a physical examination and palpation by a doctor or physical therapist, which can provide an initial idea of whether the Achilles tendon is affected. To further assess the extent and location of the inflammation, imaging tests may be used. While X-rays can show the shape of the heel bone and rule out bone spurs, they provide limited details about the Achilles tendon itself.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and ultrasound imaging provide more detailed information about tendon damage. If you’re hesitant about undergoing imaging tests, you can directly consult OneEssential’s physical therapist. We aim to alleviate your pain as quickly as possible, and we can assess and plan the appropriate treatment in a relatively short time.
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
If Achilles tendonitis symptoms cannot be alleviated effectively on their own, it may lead to more severe ruptures, and medical intervention should be sought immediately. You can consult an orthopedic doctor or physical therapist. Orthopedic doctors can offer in-depth diagnosis and treatment advice, while physical therapists will guide rehabilitation and help restore tendon function. The main treatment methods are as follows:
Physical Therapy for Achilles Tendonitis
If you want to recover quickly and reduce the risk of recurrence, physical therapy is an essential part of your treatment process. OneEssential’s physical therapists can help improve your inflammation symptoms through the following treatments:
Shockwave Therapy: High-energy acoustic waves penetrate through muscles and tendons to stimulate cells and promote self-repair, rapidly relieving pain.
Acupuncture/Dry Needling: Dry needling, also known as modern acupuncture, is used by physical therapists to treat musculoskeletal pain by inserting fine needles into muscles and tendons to stimulate healing responses and alleviate pain.
Customized Rehabilitation Exercises: OneEssential will design a series of rehabilitation exercises, including stretching, to reduce stiffness. In addition to relieving the pain caused by inflammation, these exercises also help reduce the likelihood of recurrence after recovery.
Example of rehabilitation exercises: Gradual calf training, starting from double-leg exercises to single-leg exercises, from flat ground to standing on steps, progressing from body weight to weighted training. Finally, transitioning to jumping exercises and returning to normal sports intensity.
- Adjusting Exercise Load: This is an often overlooked aspect by both physical therapists and patients. For chronic tendon inflammation, the importance of adjusting exercise load is often underestimated. No matter how much treatment or strengthening exercises are done, without proper rest and reducing the intensity of exercise to allow the body to heal, the inflammation is unlikely to improve.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Injections
PRP treatment involves using the patient’s own platelets and injecting them into the damaged area to accelerate healing. This treatment is typically considered when other non-surgical methods have failed.
Achilles Tendon Surgery
Surgery is usually only considered when the Achilles tendon has ruptured. The goal of surgery is to repair the damaged tendon tissue and remove any bone spurs or other structures that may hinder healing. Surgery is not required if the patient is only experiencing inflammation.
Rehabilitation Exercises for Achilles Tendon
Rehabilitation exercises, including stretching and strengthening training, enhance the flexibility and load-bearing capacity of the Achilles tendon. OneEssential suggests the following stretching exercises:
OneEssential teaches you how to relieve Achilles tendonitis
OneEssential’s team of physical therapists has extensive experience in treating Achilles tendon issues. Many of our patients are professional athletes or national team players. If you suspect you may have Achilles tendonitis after reading this article, feel free to book a 1-on-1 consultation at OneEssential. Our team will carefully and patiently assist you in addressing your pain and help you recover from this issue.