Achilles tendon inflammation, also known as Achillodynia, is a painful, inflammatory disease of the Achilles tendon that mostly affects athletes. The cause of the inflammation of the Achilles tendon is usually years of incorrect and excessive strain on the heel area. In the case of an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, especially during and after periods of stress, the affected persons feel severe pain in the Achilles tendon and also in the lower leg and react sensitively to pressure in the affected area.
If the disease is still in its early stages, the pain usually subsides by itself after a few days. If the Achilles tendon inflammation is not treated in time, it can become chronic and the structural damage to the Achilles tendon increases. The primary task of physiotherapy for Achilles tendon inflammation is to first get the patient’s pain under control and then to work on the cause of the disease in the long term so that the inflammation recedes and no more problems occur in the future.
This can be achieved through exercises that are specially adapted to the individual patient and that stretch, relieve, strengthen and mobilize the Achilles tendon. In addition to this, movement training is also recommended to prevent possible incorrect posture or incorrect exercise. The article “Achillodynia” might interest you in this respect
Physiotherapy – what to do
If a patient with an Achilles tendon inflammation in the physiotherapy practice is presented, is as always first in a personal initial interview, the anamnesis, clarified how it came to the inflammation, what is the general health of the patient and whether there are other pre-existing conditions. Afterwards, it is important to make it clear to the patient that a consistent sports break must first be taken to allow the inflammation to subside. In addition, the Achilles tendon can be relieved by raising the heel.
The primary goal of physiotherapy is then first to contain the inflammatory reaction; there are various therapeutic approaches to this: Ultrasound therapy: This promotes blood circulation and loosens the tissue, which can help the inflammation to subside. Electrotherapy: Stimulates the muscles and also improves the blood circulation. Cold applications: Relieve the inflammation and reduce pain.
Kinesiotape: Provides mechanical relief and stimulates blood circulation. Stretching exercises: Here especially the calf muscles, as this can help to relieve the Achilles tendon. Movement training: To restore a healthy movement sequence and to correct defective positions.
Strengthening and mobilization exercises: To give the Achilles tendon more stability and flexibility. Overall, an individual therapy plan is drawn up for each patient treated for Achilles tendon inflammation in order to achieve the best possible results.
- Ultrasound therapy: This promotes blood circulation and loosens the tissue, which can help the inflammation to subside.
- Electrotherapy: Stimulates the muscles and also improves blood circulation.
- Refrigeration applications: Alleviate the inflammation and reduce the pain.
- Kinesiotape: Provides mechanical relief and stimulates blood circulation.
- Stretching exercises: Here especially the calf muscles, as this can help to relieve the Achilles tendon.
- Movement training: To restore a healthy movement pattern and to correct malpositions.
- Strengthening and mobilization exercises: To give the Achilles tendon more stability and flexibility.
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