Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendon Taping

Goal: 1) Reduce load off tendon 2) Prevent overstretching of tendon 3) Limit dorsiflexion Position: Athlete kneels with feet off table in neutral position. Anchors and Heel and Lace Pad: - Apply heel and lace pad over Achilles tendon. - 2 proximal C-strips around lower calf - 2 distal strips around arch of foot covering 5th metatarsal Support Fan: - 5 strips of white tape, but the left and right strips do not cross over, they end up on the same side, just like J-strips - Fan should cross/make an "X" at the achilles (point of pain). - Fan should be wider at proximal anchor and narrower at distal anchor - Attach narrow end of fan to distal anchor. - Gently pull on fan and attach to proximal anchor. Close: - Reanchor and C-strips

Treatment

- RICE - Avoid putting weight on leg, may need crutches - Anti-inflammatory painkillers - Heel lift: prevents Achilles tendon from overstretching - Stretching and strengthening exercises - In severe cases, may need a cast for six to ten weeks, or even surgery to repair tendon or remove excess tissue

Signs and symptoms

- Swelling on lower 3rd of tendon - Redness - Pain over back of heel (insertion of tendon to calcaneus) - Pain is greatest in the morning - Hearing a snapping or popping noise during the injury (rupture) Gun shot - Difficulty flexing ankle or pointing toes

Achilles Injury Facts

- Tendon gets stiffer with age and chronic loading - More likely to tear an Achilles tendon when you start moving suddenly - Men older than 30 particularly prone to Achilles tendon injuries

Achilles tendonitis

Accounts for 11% of all running injuries Injury type: Chronic overuse MOI: Lack of flexibility, overpronation (eversion)

Achilles tendon

Connects gastrocnemius and soleus to calcaneus - Ability to store energy (potential energy) when stretched - Athletes with long Achilles tendons can run faster and jump higher. - Longest and strongest tendon in the body - Running and jumping stresses the achilles