Achilles Tendonitis

This is a common, painful condition experienced by runners who exert a lot of stress on the tendon. It is characterised by pain in the back of the heel which increases with exercise and decreases when the exercise stops. There is also difficulty in walking or raising up on the toes. If you continue to keep putting pressure on the tendon it can become chronic with a build up of adhesive tissue or in extreme cases, rupture with a loud popping sound resulting in long term rehabilitation. Therefore, the best treatment for Achilles Tendonitis initially is to rest and ice the injured foot until the pain settles. Then a physiotherapy protocol and rehabilitation program is recommended to stretch and strengthen the calf muscles.