If you’re a Bostonian, don’t check the calendar or the air temperature to see if summer has arrived. Look down! When the masses of co-eds turn in their Uggs for flip-flops, you know the seasons have changed.
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Do you have a sharp pain in your heel when you step out of bed in the morning? How about pain in your heel when standing for long periods of time? Well, those may be early signs of plantarfasciitis.
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Achilles Tendon Dysfunction Causes Physical Therapy
Achilles tendon dysfunction is characterized as pain located along the heel cord (Achilles tendon) or pain located at on the heel (calcaneus) of the foot. Pain is typically worse in the morning and is usually accompanied by stiffness of the heel cord (achilles tendon). The achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in the body. It consists of the gastrocnemius, plantaris, and soleus muscle which come together and attach at the heel of the foot (calcaneus). The primary function of the achilles tendon is to transfer strength and power into the calf to assist the lower leg in activities such as walking and running.
Achilles Tendon Dysfunction is caused by soft tissue irritation of the achilles tendon. This can happen for a number of reasons including repetitive movements, a recent increase in activity level, postural problems such as over pronation of the foot, running, and a tight gastrocnemius. Certain motions of the foot done repetitively during sporting activities can also contribute to an irritation of the achilles tendon. Sporting activities with short, sharp, quick, bursts of movements in a variety of directions such as basketball, tennis, soccer and volleyball may increase your risk of developing achilles tendon dysfunction. Other risks for developing achilles tendon dysfunction include a recent increase in activity level, running, change of shoes with less support, exercise routine that includes running hills and/or stairs and squatting.
A physical therapist can diagnose and treat achilles tendon dysfunction. He/She will evaluate the biomechanics of the lower leg/foot, range of motion, strength of surrounding muscles and any postural problems. Treatments may include manual therapy to promote an increase in painfree range of motion, stretching to lengthen any tight musculature of the lower leg, modalities to promote healing and possible footwear change to correct for postural problems. A physical therapist will put you through a stretching and strengthening exercise program to eliminate the pain felt by the achilles tendon dysfunction and return you to your normal everyday lifestyle without pain as quickly as possible. Your Joint Ventures physical therapist can perform all of these treatments to assist in the recovery of achilles tendon dysfunction.
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