Achilles tendonitis is an injury of the Achilles tendon due to overuse. The Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. The injury is most commonly found in runners who have suddenly increased the intensity or the duration of their exercise regimen. It is also commonly found in middle-aged individuals who tend to play sports such as tennis and basketball on the weekends.
It’s important to note that there are two types of Achilles tendonitis: Noninsertional Achilles Tendonitis and Insertional Achilles Tendonitis.
- Noninsertional Achilles Tendonitis: This is when the fibers in the middle portion of the tendon begin to break down into small tears, swell, and thicken. This type of tendonitis commonly affects younger, active people.
- Insertional Achilles Tendonitis: This involves the lower portion of the heel, where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.
In both types of Achilles tendonitis, damaged tendon fibers may also calcify (harden). With Insertional Achilles Tendonitis, it’s possible for bone spurs to form. Keep in mind that this injury can occur at any time, even in those who are not active. However, it most commonly comes from years of overuse.
At Frankel Foot & Ankle, we care about supporting the needs of our patients in Milford, PA, Middletown, NY, Warwick, NY, and the surrounding area. Learn what causes Achilles tendonitis, symptoms, and the benefits of using KT tape for your injury.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Repetitive or an intense strain on the Achilles tendon causes this injury. It is not necessarily related to one specific injury. The Achilles tendon is used when you walk, run, jump, or press against your toes.
As you age, the structure of the Achilles tendon begins to weaken. This can make the Achilles tendon more prone to injury, especially in individuals who participate in sports only during the weekends and those who suddenly increase the intensity of their running regimen. Here are some factors that can contribute to this injury.
- A sudden increase in the intensity of your exercise
If you drastically increase the number of miles your run without giving your body a chance to adjust, this can lead to Achilles tendonitis.
- Tight calf muscles
Having tight calf muscles while starting an aggressive exercise program can put additional stress on the Achilles tendon.
- Bone spur
Having a bone spur where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone can rub against the tendon and cause pain.
Symptoms
The symptoms generally begin with a mild ache at the back of the leg or above the heel after running or performing other sports activities. An individual may experience symptoms of more severe pain after prolonged running, stair climbing, or sprinting. Here are a few symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis:
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning
- Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity
- Experiencing severe pain in the day after exercising
- Thickening of the tendon
- Developing a bone spur for individuals with insertional tendonitis
- Consistent swelling that gets worse throughout the day with activity.
KT Tape for Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis can cause mild to severe discomfort that interferes with daily activity. The good news is that there are at-home measures you can do to treat this injury. One effective treatment option for Achilles tendonitis is KT tape. Read on to learn what KT tape is and how it can benefit those with this injury.
What is KT Tape?
KT tape, also known as elastic therapeutic tape, is an elastic cotton strip with an acrylic adhesive that is designed to ease pain and disability from athletic injuries and various other physical disorders.
How does it work?
KT tape is made from stretchy material that is meant to mimic the skin’s elasticity, giving users a full range of motion. In addition to this, KT tape is a medical-grade adhesive that is water-resistant. It’s strong enough to stay on for approximately three to five days, even when you’re taking a shower or engaging in exercise.
The tape slightly recoils and gently lifts your skin when applied to your body. Researchers believe that this helps create a microscopic space between your skin and the tissue underneath.
KT tape may also change signals on pain pathways. The tape may be responsible for changing the information your sensory nervous system sends about pain and compression in the body. It’s also possible that KT tape aids in the circulation of blood and fluids. This reduces swelling in the affected area.
Benefits of KT Tape for Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis usually heals on its own. However, using KT tape is an effective option to help support a quicker and successful recovery. Here are a few benefits of KT tape for individuals experiencing this injury.
- Treating injury
KT tape is one of the most effective treatments for Achilles tendonitis, especially when used in conjunction with other manual therapies. In fact, many people prefer KT tape because it reduces pain and swelling.
- Support weak areas
Those with Achilles tendonitis generally have a weakened tendon. KT tape provides additional support to muscles and joints that need it.
- Re-educating muscles
Using KT tape can help re-train the muscles that have lost function or developed an unhealthy way of functioning.
- Enhancing Performance
Many athletes use KT tape as it helps them enhance their performance and protect them against injury. If you’ve had Achilles tendonitis previously or want to prevent it from occurring, using KT tape while performing rigorous routines can be beneficial.
Call Frankel Foot & Ankle for Achilles Tendonitis Care
If you live in Milford, PA, Middletown, NY, Warwick, NY, and the surrounding area, call Frankel Foot & Ankle for the best Achilles tendonitis care. We provide pain-free procedures, expert care, and innovative treatments so that you can feel and perform at your best.
Injuries to the Achilles tendon are quite common. Depending on your injury, we can offer a variety of treatments to help you heal. For mild tendonitis, we may recommend things like physical therapy and strengthening exercises. If Achilles tendonitis can’t be solved by non-operative treatments, we can provide patients with both minimally invasive and traditional surgery options.
