Physcial Therapy for Achilles Tendon

Published on December 19, 2012 by: Renee Kirbs

Achilles Tendon Injuries & Recovery

An Achilles tendon injury is a condition that affects the long tendon that stretches from the heel bone to the calf muscles. This tendon allows the patient to extend the foot and to point the toes. Called the calcaneal tendon, it receives load stress when the body is walking and running.

For athletes, the risk of an Achilles tendon injury is very real and a potentially career ending sports injury. In severe cases, too much force applied on the tendon can cause it to rupture ompletely or tear partially.

Achilles Tendon Injury Causes

There are activities that might cause an Achilles tendon injury. Failing to stretch properly before exercising is one, and abrupt increase on physical activity involving this tendon is another. Being flat-footed can be another cause of this condition. The muscles and the tendons get stretched when the arch of the foot collapsed in fallen arches or overpronation.

Popular sports that can cause Achilles tendon injury are volleyball, tennis, basketball, softball, baseball, football, dance, gymnastics and running. When the muscle tenses abruptly, the tendon can be severely affected. This is true when a patient starts to move very quickly without warming-up or stretching.

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Injury

Symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury can be felt from mild tenderness, stiffness and swelling to more severe pain along the back of the foot.  Sometimes a popping or snapping noise can be heard during the injury. In cases of complete tear of the tendon, the patient will experience difficulty in flexing his or her foot and in pointing his or her toes.

Healing An Achilles Tendon Injury

Physical therapy treatment approaches to an Achilles tendon injury can vary depending on the severity of the injury, your overall physical condition and what type of exercises you are able to handle.

In mild cases, this injury can actually heal on its own. To help in speeding up the process for an Achilles tendon injury, the patient can avoid putting pressure on the injured leg. Ice can also be applied to reduce the swelling and the pain.  A physical therapist can recommend ice therapy for up to 30 minutes, every 4 hours for 4 days or until the swelling and pain recedes. Strengthening and stretching exercises can also be performed once the patient has recovered from the Achilles tendon injury to prevent any recurrence.

Prevention Is Better Than The Cure

They said that prevention is better than cure. Medical practitioners have recommended several things to avoid an Achilles tendon injury. It is important to always stretch the Achilles tendon and leg muscles before and right after any physical activity. Uphill running should be avoided unless necessary.  Shoes with sufficient support should always be used and it is always best to stop any activity if pain or tightness in the heel or calf is felt.