Achilles tendon overload treatment should start as soon as possible to prevent more serious injuries
The Achilles tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is used to walk, run and jump. It connects the two calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). When an overload occurs, the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed and causes pain above the heel, usually in the morning or at the beginning of a sports session. In Achilles tendon overload treatment, it is necessary to be patient and to follow your doctor’s instructions.
This is because Achilles tendon overload treatment can take a long time. To treat tendinitis, the first thing to do is to temporarily immobilise the joint and hold it up to reduce the inflammation. It is also important to rest, avoid activity and apply ice, which helps to constrict the blood vessels.
To immobilise the joint, it is best to use an ankle support which, in addition to reducing strain on the tendon, will stabilise the ankle. Orliman’s neoprene ankle support with crossover strapping controls ankle pronation and supination, while offering thermo-compression and stabilisation.
Once some improvement in the injury is noted, rehabilitation can begin. Physical therapy, involving exercises, massage and other techniques such as ultrasound, can be used to stretch the tissue and increase blood supply. During rehabilitation, exercises are performed to gradually regain mobility, strength and flexibility. It is also a method for preventing a more serious injury, such as rupture of the calcaneal tendon.
Although Achilles tendon overload treatment is very effective, prevention is always better than cure. Certain people are more at risk than others of suffering from it and awareness of this can help them to recognise the symptoms and treat it more quickly and effectively:
- Factors such as flat feet, obesity, physical inactivity and narrow calf muscles are often associated with tendinitis.
- As we age, our tendons begin to lose their properties and become more prone to injury.
- Some diseases and conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase the risk of inflammation of the calcaneus heel.
- Running with worn-out trainers, on tarmac, in the cold or on rough terrain can also be contributory factors.
- If you play a sport, always do warm-up and warm-down stretches and exercises before and after.
In order to prevent injury (in sport and work), you can also wear an ankle support, such as Orliman’s elastic ankle support with viscoelastic pads. This ankle support holds and stabilises the ankle while also helping to reabsorb oedemas, effusions and haematomas thanks to the compression effect of its fabric.
And, above all, it is important to go to see your doctor and start Achilles tendon overload treatment as quickly as possible in order to prevent the injury from worsening. During treatment, it is necessary to stop all sporting activity or, at least, temporarily change sports to one that does not put a strain on the tendon.