Achilles Tendonitis is a complaint that I see fairly often in my practice.

What is it?

The Achilles tendon attaches the two calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the back of the heel. This tendon can get inflamed for many reasons but is usually inflamed due to faulty biomechanics of the feet coupled with overuse or in children, especially boys, who are going through growth spurts. When it occurs in children going through growth spurts, it is called Sever’s disease.

Typically, the pain occurs on rising first thing in the morning, getting up after sitting for long periods of time or during and after sports. The problem can be mid tendon or where the tendon inserts into the bone.

How do I get rid of it?

If the pain has persisted for more than two weeks, I suggest that you seek professional help. There may be an underlying biomechanical fault in your gait or you ramped things up too quickly or one sudden movement strained the tendon. Whatever the cause, you should see a good physiotherapist. At Gait Tech Orthotics, I do a full clinical assessment and then a computerized gaitscan. This allows me to find out what caused the problem. Treatment usually consists of rolling and stretching of the calf, along with soft tissue release and modalities (usually Shockwave). Orthotics may also be prescribed.

Like plantar fasciitis, it can be stubborn but I have helped many patients (young and old) to get rid of it.

If you are living in Jamaica and would like to book an appointment to see me, please call 927 5255. I come to the island once per month to see patients for orthotics.