Can Orthotics Help With Achilles Tendonitis?
Anyone who suffers from Achilles Tendonitis will be able to tell you how painful the condition is. When your Achilles tendon is inflamed, your daily life pays the price. Average tasks and activities are suddenly full of excruciating pain, making even a light walk extremely challenging. So – what can you do about it? Could something as simple as a pair of orthotics be the answer to your pain? Let’s dive into everything you need to know about Achilles Tendonitis and the untapped potential of orthotics as a treatment.
For personalised advice, contact our friendly team at Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic.
Understanding Achilles Tendonitis
First things first – what exactly is Achilles Tendonitis?
Simply put, ‘Achilles Tendonitis’ refers to the inflammation of the Achilles Tendon, which is the longest tendon in the entire human body. It connects the heel bone to the calf muscles. This tendon is vital to our physical health, allowing us to rise on our toes and move our feet. Naturally, when a tendon crucial to our overall well-being is inflamed, the pain can be detrimental to our daily lives.
Achilles Tendonitis is characterised by a significant ache just above the back of your heels. Other symptoms include limited mobility, extreme tightness in the calves, and pain while walking. It may be especially difficult and painful to push up off your toes, as this is when the tendon is most activated. You may also notice that the Achilles Tendon is noticeably thick, swollen, and sore to the touch.
Common Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis is a result of irritation and eventual inflammation of the Achilles Tendon. Typically, this is due to some form of consistent stress or strain on the tendon itself. In severe cases, someone may hear a ‘popping’ sound, because the strain has led to a complete rupture of the tendon – but this is much less common!
Usually, Achilles Tendonitis is a matter of chronic overuse and tightness in the calf muscles. Athletes, especially runners, are easily susceptible to developing Tendonitis. As we age, our tendons grow weaker, making it easier than ever to overexert the tissue. Degeneration of the tendon itself can mean that staying active leads to damage, even without us realising how much stress we’re putting on our bodies!
Here are some of the activities that can commonly result in Achilles Tendonitis:
- Gymnastics
- Running
- Dance
- Basketball
- Soccer
- Football
- Tennis
What Shoes Are Good for Achilles Tendonitis?
Wearing supportive, well-fit footwear is essential to maintaining your health. Not only can high-quality shoes prevent Achilles Tendonitis from developing, but they can also help you manage your symptoms and support your body as it recovers from Tendonitis symptoms.
So, what should you look for in a pair of shoes? Generally speaking, if you’re struggling with Achilles Tendonitis, then you need to find shoes that provide ample cushioning and lots of support for your feet. If your flexibility and mobility are suffering as a result of your condition, then be sure to avoid shoes with low heel height or a particularly flat build. The flatter the shoe, the more strain is placed on the Achilles Tendon.
Custom Orthotics For Achilles Tendonitis
If a well-fit and supportive pair of shoes can better your recovery, just imagine what a custom-designed pair of orthotics can do!
Orthotics can be built perfectly to the shape of your foot, providing a tailored level of support that a standard pair of shoes simply cannot provide. By getting a pair of orthotics, you can continue to wear your regular footwear with the added support of insoles. Your orthotics will be made to reduce the pressure placed on your Achilles Tendons as you go about your daily activities, helping to lessen the discomfort of your symptoms and reducing the risk of rupturing the tendon. Plus, by preventing the condition from growing worse, you are setting your body up for a long and healthy future – with lowered risk of further tendon damage!
Contact Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic to Learn More
Don’t put up with Achilles Tendonitis pain for another day. Getting fit with a pair of custom orthotics can ease your discomfort, support your recovery, and get you back on your feet as soon as possible! If you’re looking for personalised advice, the Northern Districts Physiotherapy and Sports Clinic team is ready to lend a hand. One of our friendly experts will assess your condition and examine whether custom orthotics could be the right step forward for you. Call now or book an appointment online to get a pair of custom orthotics – it’s the first step to full recovery!
