Introduction
Bandages for Achilles tendonitis are used primarily to stabilize the ankle joint. Thus the Achilles tendon has to do less stabilisation work, which leads to a relief of the tendon. At the same time, the bandage can exert a slight compression on the ankle joint and the lower calf.
This can reduce swellings caused by the Achilles tendon inflammation. Depending on the manufacturer, the supports have different additional functions. Some are more stabilising for the ankle joint, others have a markedly longer part for the calf. In this way different functions can be supported depending on the specific complaints.
These bandages are available
The bandages used for Achilles tendonitis are very similar in their functions. The Morsa Achilles upper bandage is a rather slim bandage which mainly stabilizes the ankle joint and thus relieves the Achilles tendon. AchilloTrain allows the ankle joint to move particularly well.
AchilloHit, on the other hand, is much more stabilising and has additional Velcro fasteners to allow for a better fit. The Achimed support has two differently sized pads to optimally adjust the massage effect over the Achilles tendon. With Achillomotion, the calf shaft is particularly long, which supports the Achilles tendon over a longer distance.
AchilloTrain is a support developed by Bauerfeind especially for Achilles tendon inflammation and irritation. The support is pulled over the foot but leaves the toes free. On the calf, it extends about 10 to 15 cm beyond the ankle.
The bandage is made of a particularly elastic and breathable fabric and thus hardly restricts the mobility of the foot. A pad, which rests directly on the Achilles tendon, creates a light massage effect with every step. This can stimulate the blood circulation and metabolism, so that inflammations can be fought more effectively by the body.
At the same time, the additional pressure reduces swelling and water retention. AchilloTrain has incorporated a cushioning cushion under the heel so that pain in the heel bone, which is often associated with Achilles tendonitis, can be reduced. Anyone who has no complaints at this point can remove the heel wedge.
When using the heel wedge, an additional heel cushion can be worn on the other foot to compensate for a difference in leg length. Like all supports from Bauerfeind, AchilloTrain is typically made of light gray elastic fabric; particularly stabilizing parts are marked by blue fabric. Achimed is a support from Medi.
It is used primarily for compression of the Achilles tendon and thus has a stronger effect against water retention and swelling. In addition, a massage effect on the Achilles tendon is produced by a particularly compressive fabric in combination with a silicone pad. The bandage is available with two different sized pads and can therefore be easily adjusted to the foot size.
In addition, different pads can be used to achieve different degrees of stability. Therefore, the support can be used for both acute and chronic Achilles tendon inflammation. It can also be used immediately post-traumatically and after surgery.
In contrast to the AchilloTrain support, the Achimed support is slightly shorter at the foot and extends to about half of the metatarsal bones. It is about 15 to 20 cm long at the calf. The current Achimed support is black with a pink edge.
In addition to the bandage, two heel wedges are available, which can be used for example in case of a heel spur. They should always be used on both sides at the same time to prevent different leg lengths and thus increased stress on the damaged side. The AchilloMotion is a bandage from BSN medical.
The foot part of the bandage reaches about half of the midfoot, the calf part is about 20 to 25 cm long and thus reaches relatively high. Due to a particularly long pad over the Achilles tendon a high stability as well as a massage effect is achieved. The bandage thus reduces pain under load, and also counteracts swelling and water retention.
The heel zone of the bandage is additionally reinforced to provide stability in the shoe. As with the other supports, there are two heel wedges in addition to the support. These can be used for complaints of the heel bone, but should always be worn on both sides when applied.
The AchilloMotion can be worn mainly immediately post-traumatically, but it also helps to improve the symptoms of chronic irritation. The bandage can be worn for several weeks and can also be worn during sports activities. The bandage is currently light grey/green with a purple band.
The AchilloStabil is an Achilles tendon support from Bort. It has a rather short calf shaft and closes at the foot at about half of the metatarsal bones. The fabric of the AchilloStabil is particularly flexible to provide more elasticity.
In between, there are firmer stripes that provide good stability. The pad on and next to the Achilles tendon is rather thick and therefore has a strong massage effect. In addition to the bandage, two heel wedges are available to further relieve the Achilles tendon.
The AchilloStabil is currently available in three colours: skin colour, silver/grey and black. The bandage is used especially for chronic irritation of the Achilles tendon. The support can also be worn if there is isolated pressure pain over the Achilles tendon. The AchilloStabil is also suitable in the case of Achilles tendon inflammation, a torn Achilles tendon or a Haglund heel. It can also be worn for inflammation of the bursa.
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