Achilles Tendinopathy

At The Podiatry Group we have a special interest in providing a complete approach to children’s health. Our Podiatrists have undergone further study and attended many conferences regarding children’s podiatry. Many adult foot problems can stem from childhood and birth. Misalignment issues can later cause foot, knee hip and back complications. If a family history of foot and lower limb problems exist, it is important to have your child’s foot posture, gait and lower limb development assessed by a podiatrist. Our team treat many common children’s conditions. These include: Toe Walking Heel Pain/Sever’s Disease Positional Talipes/Metatarsus Adductus In-toeing/Out-toeing Curly Toes Growing Pains Paediatric Flat Foot Warts In-grown Toenails Sprained Ankles If you have any concerns regarding your child’s development and function The Podiatry Group will provide a thorough assessment and offer a holistic treatment plan.

Achilles Tendinopathy

What is Achilles tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy is a medical term for pain or damage in the Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. Sometimes pain can occur in the middle of the tendon or where the tendon inserts into the heel.  

What causes Achilles tendinopathy?

Improper footwear, walking or running patterns and foot posture can cause this painful condition. Sometimes there are other factors like muscle tightness, weakness and conditions like Diabetes that can also contribute to this injury. Risk factors is a term used to describe what causes this injury. Our Podiatrists are able to help you by checking which risk factors are relevant to you and changing them if possible.    

How is Achilles tendinopathy diagnosed and managed?

 Our team of Podiatrists are trained to diagnose and treat Achilles tendon injuries. Our sports podiatrists will use clinical tests as well as the following to help manage your condition and get you back to achieving your sporting goals:

Imaging (If needed)

– Bulk Billed X-rays and Ultrasounds

– MRI/CT Scans

Assessing the Cause:

– Video assessment of your running and walking patterns

– Assessing your footwear

– Assessing your hip and core strength

– Assessing your lower leg joints, strength and movement

– Assessing your risk factors (reasons why you have this injury)

Treatment

– We give you a rehabilitation program suited for only you

– We provide a Strengthening/Stretching/Balance program

– Give you a return to activity plan

– Modify your risk factors

– Improve your running and training techniques

– Work closely with your coach/exercise physiologist/phyio/other allied health team member to help you reach your goals

– CAM Walker/Moon Boot (for tears)

– Strapping/Braces

– Sport compression

– Orthotics to help align and reduce risk of re-injury

Our team are here to help you recover from your injury and get you back into the sport and exercise you love. Contact us for an appointment or make an appointment online.

For more detailed information visit http://sma.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/719-SMA-InjuryBrochure-Achilles_web.pdf