Achilles Tendonitis Treatments in Westminster Denver Colorado
Overview
●
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the
Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that
connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.
●
Achilles tendinitis most commonly occurs in runners who have
suddenly increased the intensity or duration of their runs. It’s also common in
middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the
weekends.
●
Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated with
relatively simple, at-home care under your doctor’s supervision. Self-care
strategies are usually necessary to prevent recurring episodes. More-serious
cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may
require surgical repair.
●
The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis
typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after
running or other sports activity. Episodes of more-severe pain may occur after
prolonged running, stair climbing or sprinting.
● You might also
experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually
improves with mild activity.
Causes
●
Achilles tendinitis is caused by repetitive or
intense strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your
calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or
push up on your toes.
●
The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens
with age, which can make it more susceptible to injury — particularly in people
who may participate in sports only on the weekends or who have suddenly
increased the intensity of their running programs.
Risk factors
A number of factors may increase your risk of
Achilles tendinitis, including:
● Your sex. Achilles
tendinitis occurs most commonly in men.
● Age. Achilles
tendinitis is more common as you age.
● Physical problems. A
naturally flat arch in your foot can put more strain on the Achilles tendon.
Obesity and tight calf muscles also can increase tendon strain.
● Training choices.
Running in worn-out shoes can increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis. Tendon
pain occurs more frequently in cold weather than in warm weather, and running
on hilly terrain also can predispose you to Achilles injury.
● Medical conditions.
People who have psoriasis or high blood pressure are at higher risk of
developing Achilles tendinitis.
●
Medications. Certain types of antibiotics,
called fluoroquinolones, have been associated with higher rates of Achilles
tendinitis.
Complications
●
Achilles tendinitis can weaken the tendon,
making it more vulnerable to a tear (rupture) a painful injury that usually
requires surgical repair.
Prevention
While it may not be possible to prevent
Achilles tendinitis, you can take measures to reduce your risk:
● Increase your activity
level gradually. If you’re just beginning an exercise regimen, start slowly and
gradually increase the duration and intensity of the training.
● Take it easy. Avoid
activities that place excessive stress on your tendons, such as hill running.
If you participate in a strenuous activity, warm up first by exercising at a
slower pace. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest.
● Choose your shoes
carefully. The shoes you wear while exercising should provide adequate cushioning
for your heel and should have a firm arch support to help reduce the tension in
the Achilles tendon. Replace your worn-out shoes. If your shoes are in good
condition but don’t support your feet, try arch supports in both shoes.
● Stretch daily. Take
the time to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon in the morning,
before exercise and after exercise to maintain flexibility. This is especially
important to avoid a recurrence of Achilles tendinitis.
● Strengthen your calf
muscles. Strong calf muscles enable the calf and Achilles tendon to better
handle the stresses they encounter with activity and exercise.
●
Cross-train. Alternate high-impact activities,
such as running and jumping, with low-impact activities, such as cycling and
swimming.
Treatment
Our
expert providers are experienced and skilled at treating Achilles tendonitis
and are your source for expert treatment of Achilles tendonitis in Westminster
and Denver Colorado. Not only are we the premier treatment for spine injuries
and chiropractic in Westminster and Denver Colorado, but we also specialize in
many other advanced treatment techniques such as shockwave, cold laser, graston
technique, KT Taping, activator, instrument aided spinal alignments, drop
table, toggle, in house rehab services, and on site digital xrays. We are your
Premier destination for Achilles tendonitis treatment in Westminster Colorado
and Denver Colorado Chiropractor.