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ACHILLES TENDONITIS

Inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon.

This condition is characterized by pain in the Achilles tendon when standing or walking. The heel can also hurt or burn. There may also be tenderness in the soleus and gastrocnemius (calf) muscles.

Other names or similar foot conditions:

• Achilles rupture
• Achilles periteniditis
• Heel cord strain

Symptoms:

• Pain in Achilles when putting pressure on the foot after being inactive for awhile
• Shooting pain or burning sensation in the heel
• Pain above the heel in the area of the Achilles tendon
• Tenderness in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles

Signs to look for:

• Pain in or above the heel when pushing off or jumping during exercise
• Inability to stand up straight

Possible Causes:

• Natural effects of aging cause more rigidity in tendon
• Lack of flexibility in gastrocnemius muscle (calf)
• Rolling over of foot caused by overpronation
• Abrupt changes in footwear
• Running or other recreational overuse
• Shortened tendon caused by wearing high heels

Goals:

• Reduce pressure on tendon in acute phase
• Balance weight transfer in feet during walking
• Correct overpronation
• Lengthen Achilles tendon
• Restore flexibility in leg, ankle and foot muscles
• Footwear to move the foot forward and reduce lateral movement

Solutions:

Arch Supports:

• Bio-Orthotics Winstep or Sundance exercising support with metatarsal lift
• Lower and thinner arch support with longitudinal and metatarsal support, such as the Bio-Orthotics Journey or Silhouette, for use when shoes cannot accommodate the Winstep or Sundance exercising support

• Extra depth shoe with high toe box, firm heel counter, rocker sole and steel shank
• MBT physiological footwear
• Wear flat shoes vs. heels until condition passes and then pumps or heels only as absolutely necessary
• Wear shoes with titanium springs for exercising
• Go barefoot on minimal basis only

Other:

Rubber heel lift for acute phase (gradually wean off as symptoms improve). Wear in both shoes, not just in the shoe of the sore foot

• Regular stretching of gastrocnemius, soleus muscles, and Achilles tendon
• Rotate weight bearing exercises, such as walking or jogging, with non-weight bearing exercising, such as swimming or bicycling