Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation, degeneration, or trauma of the Achilles tendon, which runs down the back of the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is an injury commonly seen in athletes who partake in sports involving jumping and lunging; it is estimated that 90% of cases are caused by overuse or a sport or exercise injury.
The symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include swelling, aching and pain around the ankle that usually worsen with activity. The swelling may also lead to joint stiffness and an inability to flex the foot.
Medical Treatments for Achilles Tendinitis
There aren’t really any Achilles tendinitis treatments available from your pharmacist or General Practitioner. They would suggest an anti-inflammatory and painkillers, combined with lots of rest, ice packs and keeping the affected foot elevated to help reduce the swelling. These are all great ways to manage the pain and swelling, but they do not address the cause of your problem or prevent it from reoccurring.
What is a Chiropractor?
Chiropractors are specialists in diagnosing and treating disorders affecting the bones, joints, and muscles, managing the effects they can have on your health, and helping to prevent further incidents. As experts in understanding the body, correct alignment, and movement, a chiropractor is someone you can turn to for help in treating your tendinitis, managing the painful symptoms, and preventing further injuries.
Chiropractic Solutions for Achilles Tendinitis
Chiropractic Achilles tendinitis treatments are very effective. There is a very poor blood supply to the Achilles tendon, so the tissues in that area are very slow to repair. Chiropractic treatments help by improving the area’s blood circulation, helping to achieve balance within the body, lengthening the calf muscles, and improving the function and movement of the ankle, foot, and leg. Here are the ways in which your chiropractor can effectively treat the cause and symptoms of your tendinitis.
The calf muscles can be lengthened through exercise. Your chiropractor can show you how to perform these exercises and repeating them at home will help you to lengthen and strengthen the muscles, relieving some of the stress and strain on your tendons.
By achieving balance within the body and improving your weight distribution, you will experience more equal wearing of the muscles and tendons. When the strain is balanced, and both sides of the body are working equally, there are fewer cases of Achilles tendinitis and other similar, painful conditions.
Your chiropractor can also improve your blood circulation, focusing on the heel and ankle area. Muscles generally heal quickly because they have great blood circulation, but ligaments and tendons do not have a rich blood flow and are much slower to repair. Tendons can take many months to fully repair, but by improving your blood flow to the area, your chiropractor can speed this process along.
Finally, your chiropractor can manipulate your body’s alignment and correct your movement patterns. By moving your joints properly and in a balanced way, you can avoid putting strain on your problem area and reduce the likelihood of a reoccurrence.
Marilyn Self is a writer, blogger and podcaster of health and technology. She has been a science journalist, a senior editor at Scientific American, and she’s written for many other publications she is a writer, blogger and podcaster.
A writer of health and technology, Marilyn is an author and editor of more than 60 books that have sold more than 4 million copies worldwide.