Achilles Tendinitis
Description
An overuse injury of the Achilles tendon — the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. Achilles tendinitis is normally caused by an injury sustained during running or other sport activities, due to stress on the tendon, intense physical exercise, jumps or other activities that can strain the tendon and calf muscles. In most cases, this disorder can be treated at home, with continuative and relatively simple procedures that nevertheless require medical supervision.
To avoid recurrences, it is usually necessary to adopt a number of preventive strategies. The most serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can cause breakage of the tendon and may require surgery to repair the damaged tissues.
Treatment types
A mixture of phototherapy, ultrasound and magnetotherapy complemented by TENS, if desired.
Method of action
Ultrasound
Ultrasound treatment increases the ‘stretchiness’ of muscles and tendons that may be tight. This form of therapy helps to build new tissue and ensure the proper alignment of the tissue fibres so that full strength and flexibility can be restored. In the case of a chronic illness, ultrasound can slow the development and help to manage symptoms.
Ultrasound therapy can:
- Provide an analgesic effect.
- Improve blood flow and restore normal cell activity to produce an anti-swelling effect.
Phototherapy — infrared
Since infrared therapy enhances and improves circulation in the skin and other parts of the body, it can bring oxygen and nutrients to injured tissues and promote healing. It helps to ease pain, relieve inflammation and protect against oxidative stress.
Magnetotherapy
Magnetotherapy offers an anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling effect on top of its ability to reduce pain and improve blood circulation.
TENS
The electrical impulses reduce the pain signals going to the spinal cord and brain by temporarily ‘switching off’ the nerve endings of the affected area — thus, helping to relieve pain and relax the muscles. These impulses also stimulate the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers.
