Achilles Tendinitis Treatment in Maryland
What is Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This tendon was made famous by Brad Pitt in the movie Troy (wait, it was Achilles himself!).
This tendon gets stressed and inflamed (usually) from repetitive stress, like running, prolonged walking, or any jumping sport. Overuse leads to microtrauma, with leads to inflammation and eventually scar tissue formation.
The achilles can get thickened over time, which with repeated stress and microtearing, can eventually lead to a complete tear. You don’t want these torn…ask Kobe Bryant, Terrell Suggs, Steve Smith, etc. They are out at least a year, and never seem to regain the speed and explosiveness they had before the injury.
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment
- How we handle Achilles Tendinitis Treatment
- Graston and Active Release to the achilles tendon and calf
- Manipulation to the ankle and foot to correct function
- Dry needling to the achilles and bursa if necessary
- We can also use musculoskeletal diagnostic ultrasound to identify exactly where the issue is and treat accordingly
- We combine that with rehab to work on strength and proprioception of the foot/ankle
Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis
If you are having pain along the leg or foot, you want to be aware of pain what you are feeling and where. It is important to get Achilles tendinitis treatment ASAP to prevent further damage. This is especially important for athletes, where Achilles tenditis can remove you from regular training for months at a time.
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, particularly in the morning
- Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity
- Severe pain the day after exercising
- Thickening of the tendon
- Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse with activity
Common Causes of Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon often gets stressed and inflamed from repetitive stress. Activities like running, prolonged walking, or any jumping sport can cause Achilles tendinitis.
Be cautious of overuse, which leads to microtrauma, inflammation, and eventually scar tissue formation. Be aware of these common causes of Achilles tendinitis.
- Sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of physical activity
- Tight calf muscles
- Bone spurs
- Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support
- Running on hard surfaces
- Overuse of the muscles
- Repeated stress and pushing past the pain
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment in Columbia, MD
Achilles tendinitis treatment in Columbia, MD is available at Elite Chiropractic and Sport. Our primary focus is on sports performance and athletes. Owner Dr. Bross has extensive experience and education in treating athletic injuries, like Achilles tendinitis, in Columbia, MD.
During your Achilles tendinitis treatment, we will discuss when and how the pain started, common activities, and what relief methods have been tried. Our focus will be on manual chiropractic therapies, physical therapy stretches and exercises, and exploring activity adjustments to help the pain for long-term relief.
Achilles tendinitis treatment will take at least several weeks, in some cases several months, depending on the severity of the injury. Set up an appointment for achilles tendinitis treatment in Columbia, MD to begin.
Our chiropractic office is in-network with Blue Cross/Blue Shield, United, Johns Hopkins EHP, Aetna, and Medicare. We are out of network with Cigna.
Achilles Tendinitis Frequently Asked Questions
After consulting with a chiropractor for achilles tendinitis treatment, you may be advised to follow at-home care. You may be recommended rest, to avoid activities that put stress on the Achilles tendon; ice application to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day; compression to reduce swelling; elevation to reduce swelling.
You may be recommended to take anti-inflammatory medications to help treat an Achilles tendinitis injury. This will often be part of a larger treatment plan with rest, physical therapy, and manual adjustments.
Achilles tendinitis treatments vary based on the severity of the injury. Mild cases may improve within a few weeks with proper treatment, while more severe cases can take several months to heal. Consult with our chiropractors for a personalized Achilles tendinitis treatment plan in Columbia, MD.
Yes, Achilles tendinitis can often be prevented. Be aware of your activity level, the strain on your body, and what pain or discomfort you feel that may be a warning sign you are injured and need treatment.
- Gradually increasing the intensity of physical activities
- Warming up properly before exercising
- Wearing appropriate footwear that provides adequate support
- Incorporating stretching and strengthening exercises into your routine
- Avoiding activities that place excessive strain on the Achilles tendon
