Achilles Tendonitis or Tendinopathy
What was once called Achilles tendonitis (now Tendinopathy) is a common injury typically occurring in runners or other athletes. Usually presenting with pain locally around the tendon or heel, it is typically worse when standing . Quite often mornings are especially bad for the first few steps. Research now tells us that no inflammatory cells are present . This is why there is – opathy rather than the -itis in the name.
Two descriptions of the type of Tendinopathy exist. Insertional and mid-portion . The naming depends on the exact location of the injury which can present in slightly different ways.
What causes it?
The most common trigger for this problem are changes and errors in training. This can be alterations in gait, cadence, stride pattern, running distance , uphill running and speed for example.
Whilst this is a general rule of thumb , other factors can increase risk. These include
1.age.
2.previous Achilles problems.
3.poor ankle movement in dorsiflexion ( toes and foot pulling towards the head).
4.increased ankle pronation.
5.certain types of antibiotics !
In the next post I will talk about the stages of tendinopathy . We will then look a tsome aspects of rehab that can be done at home to start the repair process.
Recent Comments