MR of Achilles - Photo Wiki

Exercise consideration in training - Photo Wikimedia

Pain in Achilles


Pain in Achilles. Having Achilles pain can be due to rupture, tendinosis or incorrect loading over a long period of time. Achilles pain is a nuisance that most often affects those who increase the amount of exercise sharply or do new exercises without sufficient recovery in between sessions.

 

Common causes of Achilles and leg pain

Muscle pain and dysfunction in joints is something most people have experienced, if the muscles are incorrectly loaded over a longer period of time, trigger points / myalgias will form in the muscles. chiropractor og manual therapists are experts in finding trigger points and dealing with them.

- Active trigger points will cause pain all the time from the muscle (e.g. anterior tibialis / gastrocsoleus myalgia)
- Latent trigger points provides pain through pressure, activity and strain

 

In all diagnoses, it is very important to remove the cause of incorrect loading by removing joint restrictions in nearby joints, as well as balancing the muscles to ensure a normal movement pattern. It is also important to get started early with home exercises / stretching that are adapted to the individual problem.

 

Where is the Achilles tendon?

Achilles tendon anatomy

The Achilles tendon can be found on the back of the leg. It goes from the calf and attaches to the muscles there (gastronemius and musculus soleus) - then it goes down and attaches to the upper attachment on the heel.

 

Some common causes / possible diagnoses that can cause Achilles pain:

- Achilles bursitis (mucosal inflammation of the Achilles tendon)

Ankle injuries

Osteoarthritis / Arthritis wear in the ankle

- DVT (Thrombosis)

- Fascia damage (damage to the fascia can cause Achilles pain)

- Gastrocsoleus myalgia / muscle damage / rupture

- Haglund's deformity

Heel injuries

- Knee injuries

- Injury or leg myalgia (eg i tibialis)

Joint locker in the fibular head or the talocrural joint

- Housing syndrome / compartment syndrome

muscle Dysfunction / myalgia in the leg muscles

- Cover

- Partial rupture of the Achilles tendon

Retrocalcaneal bursitis (heel mucositis)

- Rupture of the plantar tendon

- Tendon injury

- Cracked Baker's cyst

- Tendinosis / tendinitis

- Vascular diagnoses

 

MRI examination of Achilles

MR of Achilles - Photo Wiki

Explanation of MRI examination image: On Figure 1 we see a normal MRI of Achilles. On Figure 2 we see an Achilles rupture with fluid collection around the torn tendon. You can read more about MRI examinations in our imaging department.

 

CT of Achilles

CT image of Achilles - Photo Wiki

Explanation of CT examination image: This photo was taken 12 weeks after an Achilles tendon rupture. We also see a thickened tendon with callus formations.

 

Diagnostic ultrasound examination of Achilles tendon

Ultrasound examination of Achilles tendon - Photo Wiki

Explanation of ultrasound examination image: In this picture we see an Achilles tendon.

 

X-ray of Achilles tendon


X-rays of Achilles tendon - Photo Wiki

Explanation of X-ray examination image: Look at the soft tissue shadow on the left leg - note that this is thin and even. On the right leg, the soft tissue shadow is thicker and more uneven - on the right leg there is an Achilles rupture. No fluid accumulation is noted, as the photo was taken approximately 12 months after the injury occurred.

 

Treatments for Achilles tendon

The treatment given will vary depending on the diagnosis given to the problem, but some of the most common forms of treatment for Achilles tendon are joint correction, muscular techniques, Shockwave Therapy, needle treatment (intramuscular dry needle - often aimed at tight leg muscles) and stretching / stretching techniques.

 

Pressure wave treatment of plantar fascite - Photo Wiki

Shockwave Therapy of plantar fasciitis - Photo Wiki

 

What can I do even for muscle and joint pain?

1. General exercise, specific exercise, stretching and activity are recommended, but stay within the pain limit. Two walks a day of 20-40 minutes make good for the whole body and sore muscles.

2. Trigger point / massage balls we strongly recommend - they come in different sizes so you can hit well even on all parts of the body. There is no better self help than this! We recommend the following (click the image below) - which is a complete set of 5 trigger point / massage balls in different sizes:

trigger point balls

3. Training: Specific training with training tricks of various opponents (such as this complete set of 6 knits of different resistance) can help you train strength and function. Knit training often involves more specific training, which in turn can lead to more effective injury prevention and pain reduction.

4. Pain Relief - Cooling: Biofreeze is a natural product that can relieve pain by cooling the area gently. Cooling is especially recommended when the pain is very severe. When they have calmed down then heat treatment is recommended - it is therefore advisable to have both cooling and heating available.

5. Pain Relief - Heating: Warming up tight muscles can increase blood circulation and reduce pain. We recommend the following reusable hot / cold gasket (click here to read more about it) - which can be used both for cooling (can be frozen) and for heating (can be heated in the microwave).

 

Recommended products for pain relief for muscle and joint pain

Biofreeze spray-118Ml-300x300

Biofreeze (Cold / cryotherapy)

purchase now

 

Classification of pain in Achilles

Achilles pain can be divided into acute, subacute and chronic pain. Acute Achilles pain means that the person has had pain in Achilles for less than three weeks, subacute is the period from three weeks to three months and the pain that has a duration of more than three months is classified as chronic. Achilles pain can be due to tendon damage, partial rupture, complete rupture, muscular tension, joint dysfunction and / or irritation of nearby nerves. A chiropractor or other expert on musculoskeletal and nerve disorders can diagnose your ailment and give you a thorough explanation of what can be done in the form of treatment and what you can do on your own. Make sure that you do not have pain in the Achilles tendon for a long time, rather contact a therapist and diagnose the cause of the pain.

 

First, a mechanical examination will be performed where the clinician looks at the movement pattern of Achilles and nearby structures or any lack thereof. Muscle strength is also studied here, as well as specific tests that give the clinician an indication of what gives the person pain in the Achilles tendon. In case of Achilles tendonitis, it may be necessary imaging diagnostic. A chiropractor has the right of referral to such X-ray examinations, MR, CT and ultrasound. Conservative treatment is always worth trying for such ailments, before considering more invasive procedures such as surgery or the like. The treatment you receive will vary depending on what was found during the clinical trial.

 

What does one do Chiropractor?

Muscle, joint and nerve pain: These are things that a chiropractor can help prevent and treat. Chiropractic treatment is mainly about restoring movement and joint function that can be impaired by mechanical pain. This is done by so-called joint correction or manipulation techniques, as well as joint mobilization, stretching techniques, and muscular work (such as trigger point therapy and deep soft tissue work) on the involved muscles. With increased function and less pain, it may be easier for individuals to engage in physical activity, which in turn will have a positive effect on both energy, quality of life and health.

 

Exercises, training and ergonomic considerations

An expert in muscle and skeletal disorders can, based on your diagnosis, inform you about the ergonomic considerations you must take to prevent further damage, thus ensuring the fastest possible healing time. After the acute part of the pain is over, in most cases you will also be assigned home exercises that also help to reduce the chance of relapse. In the case of chronic ailments, it is necessary to go through the motor movements you do in everyday life, in order to weed out the cause of your pain occurring time and again.

 

Bosu ball training - Photo Bosu

Bosu ball training for improved core and balance - Photo Bosu

 

- Also read: Exercises and training tips against exactly your ailment

 

Can this article help someone else you love? Share with friends or family on social media then well! They will appreciate that (we too).

 

Also read:

- Did you know Ginger can reduce muscle pain og reduce brain damage by ischemic stroke?

- Did you know that foam roller can increase mobility and deep blood circulation in your muscles?

- Backache?

- Headache?

- Pain in the neck?

 

Advertising:

Alexander Van Dorph - Advertising

- Click here to read more on adlibris or amazon.

 

References:

  1. NAMF - Norwegian Occupational Medical Association
  2. NHI - Norwegian Health Informatics
  3. Punnett, L. et al. A Conceptual Framework for Integrating Workplace Health Promotion and Occupational Ergonomics Programs. Public Health Rep. , 2009; 124 (Suppl 1): 16–25.

 

 

Recommended Literature:

- Pain Free: A Revolutionary Method for Stopping Chronic Pain

Description: Painless - a revolutionary method of stopping chronic pain. The world-famous Pete Egoscue, who runs the well-known The Egoscue Method Clinic in San Diego, has written this very good book. He has created exercises that he calls E-Cises and in the book he shows step-by-step descriptions with pictures. He himself claims that his method has a full 95 percent success rate. Click here to read more about his book, as well as see a preview.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Q:

Reply:

 

Frequently used applicant references: Achilles pain, Achilles pain, Achilles pain

 

Youtube logo smallFollow Vondt.net on YOUTUBE

(Follow and comment if you want us to make a video with specific exercises or elaborations for exactly YOUR issues)

facebook logo smallFollow Vondt.net on FACEBOOK

(We try to respond to all messages and questions within 24-48 hours. We can also help you interpret MRI responses and similar issues.)

7 replies
  1. Laila says:

    Hey!

    About 6 weeks ago I was hit from behind by a bicycle that hit my Achilles tendon. Immediately got pain and swelling, but could step on the foot. Was at the doctor after 2 weeks and was told about physiotherapy. Have now had 4 treatments with pressure waves, but the foot has gotten worse. Now I can not walk on it and got crutches on Friday.

    The foot is swollen and very sore. Can see the Achilles tendon lying wrinkled upwards from the heel. Do you have any good advice for me? Does not tolerate NSAIDs, but has been given painkillers that do not help. Should I Be on X-ray or Ultrasound? Am so desperate to just have to go like this. …

    [We point out that this comment conversation is pasted from our Facebook page]

    SVAR
    • Alexander v / Vondt.net says:

      Hi Laila,

      We would recommend diagnostic ultrasound of your Achilles tendon. What kind of examination was done before you received treatment? You can not just start with pressure wave treatment without knowing what is wrong (!) It sounds like there may be an injury in the Achilles, possibly a partial rupture.

      So yes, you should definitely be on ultrasound before pressure wave therapy was started.

      Regards.
      Alexander v / Vondt.net

      SVAR
      • Laila says:

        Thanks for reply. No proper investigation has been made. Only GPs who referred to physiotherapy, where a pressure wave has been used. The foot only gets worse and worse. Was at the GP's today, and was only prescribed 50 paralgin forte. Asked for reference to ul but it was not necessary he said. New class in a week and a half…

        SVAR
        • Alexander v / Vondt.net says:

          How can you know what to treat if you do not do a thorough examination? Pressure wave treatment is not recommended against EVERYTHING - in some cases it may actually be less appropriate than other treatment. Pressure wave therapy is not really covered by physiotherapy - have they done so that you have to pay a high deductible? We recommend that you have a diagnostic ultrasound examination and ask you to discuss this with your GP.

          SVAR
          • Laila says:

            Yes, pay for everything yourself. Have decided to call the GP tomorrow and demand a referral to ul. I refuse and eat painkillers when I do not know what is wrong!

          • Alexander v / fondt.net says:

            We agree with that decision. Good luck and tell me how your case is going.

          • Laila says:

            Hello again! Now I have been to the hospital to take ul of my Achilles tendon. It was damaged, but fortunately not completely worn off. So now it was plaster for 2 weeks. Thank you for good support and guidance!

Leave a reply

Want to join the discussion?
Feel free to Contribute!

Write a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *