What is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles in the back of your leg to your heel. The tendon can become inflamed with single activities such as skiing, or with repetitive activities such as running. A sudden increase in running miles, extra jumping, hiking, or walking can also irritate the Achilles. As the Achilles tendon can be subjected to forces of up to 12 times body weight during certain activities, a massive amount of force over a short period of time or even less force over many miles– can both lead to Achilles tendonosis.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
- Tenderness along the calf or back of the heel
- Thickening of the achilles tendon
- Increasing pain with increasing activity
- Increased pain following a long rest period (overnight)
- Swelling of the achilles tendon
- Calf stretching may increase the pain
How does the Achilles Tendonitis Begin?
Achilles tendonitis usually begins gradually, with minor twinges and feelings of stiffness and pain in the tendon that connects the heel to the calf. The pain will often be worse when first walking on it in the morning, or when using it after a prolonged period of sitting. Though the pain diminishes as you use it, it is only due to the tendon stretching, and does not indicate that it is being healed. If these signs are ignored, the condition can become worse and degenerate to burning, shooting, piercing pain.
What causes Achilles Tendonitis?
In addition to overuse, Achilles tendonitis may be caused by overpronation, which is when the foot rolls in toward the arch, causing the Achilles tendon to stretch more than normal. Approximately 60% of the population has some degree of foot overpronation. It is particularly common in those with flat feet. Women who wear high heels are also at greater risk for Achilles tendonitis, as the daily use of high heels causes the Achilles tendon to shorten in time, so when flatter shoes are worn, such as running shoes, the tendon must stretch further than it is used to.
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis in Augusta GA
At Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic we utilize the most efficient treatment methods to treat your Achilles tendonitis. Our treatments are non-invasive and non-surgical, and we are the only clinic in the Augusta area that can offer adjustments in conjunction with cold laser treatments.
Repeated straining of a tendon can cause small tears that lead to the inflammation of the tendon. The fibrous tissues of the tendons have a relatively poor blood supply and are therefore slow to heal compared with muscle or bone. The pain, swelling, stiffness, and weakness caused by tendinitis can last for months or even years. Laser therapy reduces the pain and inflammation and reduces the need for surgery and cuts the healing time for tendonitis by as much as 50%. Since Achilles tendinitis does not respond well to anti-inflammatory medications, we are able to more effectively treat Achilles tendonitis through our cold laser treatments.
As experienced chiropractors in Augusta GA, we have successfully treated patients for their Achilles tendonitis with our customized treatments. Many of Augusta’s athletes regularly rely on their customized treatments at Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic to not only address acute injuries, but to help prevent future ones from occurring. You can contact our friendly staff at (706) 814-5053 to schedule a complimentary consultation, so that we can determine if you would be a candidate for our customized treatments.
Firefighter Rob’s Success Story with Augusta GA Chiropractor Dr. Mark Huntsman:
The Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic Blog is written by Dr. Mark Huntsman.
Augusta GA Chiropractors Georgia Clinic of Chiropractic provides customized chiropractic care to the Augusta GA , Martinez GA, and Evans GA communities. Visit our main website at www.georgia-clinic.com for customized chiropractic in Augusta GA.
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