Can Physical Therapy Help Heal Achilles Tendonitis?

Are you tired of that nagging pain in your Achilles tendon that just won’t seem to go away? You’re not alone. Achilles tendonitis can be a real roadblock to an active lifestyle, but the good news is that there’s hope.

Whether you’re an athlete striving to get back in the game or someone who simply wants to enjoy pain-free mobility, understanding the role of physical therapy in addressing this common condition is crucial.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

Did you know the largest tendon in your body is the Achilles tendon?  Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of your Achilles tendon or at the point of your foot where it attaches to the heel bone. 

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to injury and can cause swelling, pain, or irritation.  There are two types of Achilles tendonitis, depending on where the tendon is inflamed:

• Noninsertional – The fibers in the middle portion of the tendon start to break down and develop tiny tears.  It commonly affects younger, active people, especially runners.
• Insertional – This involves the lower portion of the tendon where it connects to the heel bone and is frequently caused by calf muscle tightness.  Bone spurs can be a result of this and it commonly affects runners.

What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?

This issue normally stems from repetitive stress to the tendon rather than a specific injury.  It often happens when you push your body too far, too quickly.  For example, if you increase the distance you run every day by a few miles without giving your body a chance to adjust. 

In addition, calf muscle tightness can put extra stress on the Achilles tendon where it inserts into the heel bone and can lead to tendonitis.  An estimated 50% of runners will experience Achilles tendon pain in their running careers.

How Can Physical Therapy Help Treat This Condition?

Physical therapy is very effective in treating Achilles tendonitis.  Under the supervision of a physical therapist, you’ll learn how to do exercises, strengthen the calf muscles, and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.

Physical therapy will help:

• reduce pain in the affected areas
• restore strength, flexibility, and mobility to the injured tendon
• decrease swelling (when swelling is present)

You and your physical therapist will work together to develop an individualized treatment program that is safe and effective.  The goal of treatment is to regain strength and help heal the tendon while minimizing any pain. Treatment options may include:

• pain management
• range-of-motion treatments
• manual therapy
• gentle strengthening exercises
• muscle strengthening exercises
• functional training
• deep massage to increase blood circulation
• learn how to prevent it from reoccurring

Let our physical therapy experts at Comprehensive Rehab assist you every step of the way as you begin to heal your Achilles tendonitis.  Contact Comprehensive Rehab today at 877-530-6356. We have Iowa offices located in Clinton and Maquoketa.