The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous band that connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus muscles) to the heel. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body and is responsible for pointing the foot down (plantar flexion).
Injury Can Come from Two Main Conditions:
- Physiologically – the tendon has poor blood supply and is dependent on synovial fluid for nourishment. Once the tendon has become inflamed, the synovial fluid cannot circulate correctly to heal the injury. Continued wear and tear to collagen fibers in the tendon result in disorganized fibers causing weakness and pain.
- Mechanical – Overly tight calf muscles and/or excessive pronation of the foot.
The above two conditions can be trigger by:
- Repetitive overuse from a sports activity.
- Repetitive jumping – such as basketball.
- Running up and down hills
- Long distance running.
- Poor foot wear.
- Over pronation.
- Age – more common in people over 40.
- Come common in men.
- Wearing high heels.
Symptoms of Achilles tendonitis:
- Pain in the lower portion of the calf.
- Pain with repetitive movement.
- Pain ranging from mild to intense tenderness.
- Impaired range of motion.
- Tenderness and stiffness in morning.
- Possible redness and swelling.
I approach treating your Achilles tendonitis to your presentation, which involves:
- Analyzing your posture – is your pelvis aligned with knees and ankles?
- Discussing potential lifestyle dynamics impacting the Achilles tendon.
- Understanding how other factors such as tight calf muscles and foot pronation play into your problem.
- Muscle testing the muscles impacting the knee for weakness and pain.
- Targeting effected muscles, releasing motor points, trigger points and relaxing the fascia
Providing exercises to continue treatment success between acupuncture treatments.
Call (914) 572-5137 today or click here to schedule an appointment & learn more about how we can help you.