Which symptoms need physiotherapy?

The most common problem of Achilles tendinopathy is the pain-induced limitation in sports and sports-related activities, while the activities of daily living are only minimally affected. Pain is the main symptom of Achilles tendinopathy that leads a patient to seek medical help, and it is the most common measure used to classify the severity of the disorder. It has been suggested that the patient’s symptoms can reflect the degree of the tendon abnormality. Patients in the early phase primarily report that they have pain following strenuous activities, whereas those in the later phase report that pain accompanies all activities and may even occur at rest. At this stage, the patient is usually unable to perform sports. In the acute phase of Achilles tendinopathy, the tendon is diffusely swollen and, on palpation, tenderness is usually greatest in its middle third. Sometimes, crepitation can be palpated.

DIAGNOSIS

Ultrasond has been used increasingly to examine Achilles tendon injuries and other tendon disorders since it provides a readily available, quick, safe, and inexpensive method to verify the existence and location of lesions in tendon.

Physiotherapy treatment

Physiotherapy is essential in the treatment of achilles tendonitis. Initially, your physiotherapist can diagnose your injury and determine a treatment programme. Treatment may involve:

Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy involves carrying out exercises and specific physiotherapy techniques in warm water to help relieve pain, relax and strengthen muscles around ankle , increase blood circulation, and subsequently improve function of ankle and calf muscles. Hydrotherapy also allows to whom having limited mobility to maximize their mobility within the water.

Manual Therapy

May consider using manual therapy after a comprehensive evaluation of the hip, knee, foot and ankle reveals joint dysfunction.

Electrotherapy Modalities

There is evidence suggesting that the outcomes are dependent upon the dosage of the shock wave energy, rather than the type of shock wave generation. There is no clinical evidence to support the use of Ultrasound and Low Level Laser Therapy.

There is a small amount of evidence to support the application of iontophoresis using dexamethasone in the acute stage but not in the chronic stage.

Taping

Anti pronation taping is supported by expert opinion not clinical evidence. May consider using taping, possibly prior to orthotics in the acute stage.

Dry Needling

Clinicians may use combined therapy of dry needling with injection under ultrasound guidance and eccentric exercise to decrease pain for individuals with symptoms greater than 3 months and increased tendon thickness

Steroid injections: Cortisone, for example, can reduce tendon swelling, but it has also been associated with a greater risk of tendon rupture. Giving the injection while scanning the area with ultrasound can reduce this risk.

Compression bandages and orthotic devices: Ankle supports and shoe inserts can aid recovery as they take the stress off the tendon. Heel lifts, which move the foot away from the back of the shoe, may help patients with insertional Achilles tendinitis.

It usually takes between a few days to 6 weeks for tendinitis to heal.

Prevention

Warming up before exercise can prevent injury.

Achilles tendinitis cannot be completely prevented, but the risk of developing it can be reduced by being aware of the possible causes and taking precautions.

These include:

· Varying exercise: Alternating between high-impact exercises, such as running, and low-impact exercise, for example, swimming can reduce stress on the Achilles tendon on some days.

· Limiting certain exercises: Too much hill running, for example, can put excessive strain on the Achilles tendon.

· Wearing the correct shoes and replacing them when worn: Shoes that support the arch and protect the heel create less tension in the tendon.

· Using arch supports inside the shoe: This can help if the shoe is in good condition but does not provide the required arch support.

· Gradually increasing the intensity of a workout

Call us at Curezone physiotherapy now @ 905 997 4333 to book an assessment located at Heartland Mississauga.