Best Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy
Steps To A Successful Recovery
The best treatment for Achilles tendinopathy should follow a few simple steps in order to achieve a successful, long term recovery. The treatment advice below is based upon the best current evidence. Stretching alone will not cure achilles tendinopathy!
As stated in our previous blog ‘What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?‘ we know that this condition can be debilitating and long lasting. Symptoms typically go on for months, due to the Achilles tendon falling into a state of ‘disrepair’. In other words, the Achilles tendon attempts to heal, but due to chronic relative overload, it repeatedly breaks down. This often results in the Achilles tendon getting itself into a rut it can’t get out of without treatment. That’s where we come in! In order to reverse these changes we advise following the steps below.
Best Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy
Manage your load
Firstly, it is key to try and reduce the aggravating factors that cause overload or compression of the Achilles:
- Wear supportive footwear daily
- Try to reduce the amount of hours on your feet
- Reduce your long walks
- Try wearing shoes with a high drop or heel wedge
- Rolling the arch of the foot with a spiky ball while sitting
- Rolling the calf on a foam roller
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (SWT) is the best treatment for Achilles tendinopathy and is a relatively new modality with scientifically proven, excellent results for chronic tendon conditions. These include plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, Achilles tendinopathy and frozen shoulder. Shockwave therapy owes its heritage to lithotripsy which has been around since the 1970s. Lithotripsy utilises focused shockwaves to break apart gall stones so they can be passed. A number of years later, a bit of lateral thinking and a strong evidence base now presents SWT as the ‘gold standard’ treatment for chronic tendon related conditions.
As discussed in our previous blog, tendons go into a state of disrepair and degeneration, which results in scar tissue formation. SWT aims to agitate or shock the injury back to its acute phase of healing using acoustic energy – almost like pressing the reset button. Not only does SWT ‘reset’ the stalled healing process and expedite a return to activity, there is also a noticeable reduction in pain. It is then vital to introduce progressive load to the tissues to ensure an optimum, long term recovery.
Strengthen
As we know, the Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in providing propulsion to the foot during walking, running and jumping. It can take up to 6-8 times your bodyweight in force.
As a result, the best treatment for Achilles tendinopathy will focus on regaining localised strength around the foot and calf. This is in order to improve your bodies ability to absorb the forces of daily living. A recent study published in 2022 showed that strengthening the deep muscles of the calf and foot arch provided significant improvements to Achilles tendinopathy symptoms.
There is also good evidence that improving strength and stability around the hip and pelvis can improve Achilles symptoms. Clinically, we find that strengthening the foot in the context of the rest of the body, and not just targeting the foot and calf is key to aiding a long term recovery.
In summary, Achilles tendinopathy is often a chronic, debilitating condition that typically does not get better without intervention. If you think you may be suffering with an Achilles issue, book an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians for a thorough assessment and personalised treatment plan.
Alternatively, if you require any further information regarding the best treatment for Achilles tendinopathy or any other conditions please call our friendly reception team on 0114 267 8181 or email [email protected]
