Achilles tendinopathy is an injury to the Achilles tendon just above the heel on the back of the leg. This condition may be due to abnormal or excessive strain on the tendon from poor shock absorption or excessive foot pronation.
Symptoms:
- Pain, swelling, and possible nodule formation along the Achilles tendon or where it is attached to the back of the calcaneus (heel)
- Stiffness may be present after sitting or resting
Pedorthic treatment may include:
- Foot and lower limb exam
- Custom-made foot orthotic or over-the-counter device
- Recommendation of appropriate and proper-fitting footwear
- Modification of footwear
Pedorthic Pointers for Patients
To prevent and alleviate heel pain, Canadian Certified Pedorthists recommend:
- Carefully and slowly increasing activity to allow the tissues of the lower limbs time to properly adapt
- Wearing stable shoes with sturdy heel counters (the back of the shoe) to control motion and provide shock absorption
- When injury does occur, consult a Canadian Certified Pedorthist to determine if an over-the-counter device or a custom-made foot orthotic, along with appropriate footwear, will help the healing process and prevent the recurrence of problems
- Avoid going barefoot or just wearing socks while injured as poor foot mechanics can aggravate the injury further if not controlled
- Icing and simple calf stretching can help alleviate pain associated with heel pain. Patients should ice the affected area for approximately eight minutes, three times a day.
If you are experiencing foot pain or discomfort, you should talk to your doctor or book an appointment with a Canadian Certified Pedorthist directly for pedorthic management including orthopaedic footwear, shoe selection guidance and orthotics. At Fit Right Orthotics we work with each client to find the best solution for their heel pain or plantar fasciitis. If required an orthotic which is fully customized is manufactured to minimize the adverse effects.
