The Achilles tendon is one of the most crucial components of your lower leg’s structure, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. However, it is also the most common site of injury that affects both athletes and non-athletes alike. Achilles tendonitis, Achilles bursitis, and Achilles tears can cause excruciating pain, inflammation, and swelling, which can limit your range of motion and adversely impact your mobility. If you are experiencing Achilles injury symptoms, do not despair! With proper treatment, patience, and rest, you can successfully recover from your injury and get back on your feet. Physiotherapy and chiropractic care are two excellent treatments that you can consider to alleviate your Achilles tendon injury pain. In this guide, we shall discuss the best ways to treat Achilles injuries using these two treatments.
Physiotherapy for Achilles Injuries
Physiotherapy is an excellent treatment option for Achilles tendonitis, bursitis, and tears. The aim of physical therapy is to help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, regaining strength and stability to the affected area, and restoring your overall mobility and flexibility. A physical therapist will perform an initial assessment and then develop a personalized treatment plan to suit your injury. One of the most effective physiotherapy treatments for Achilles injuries is the use of manual therapy. This technique involves using hands-on techniques to help mobilize your affected joint and tissue, releasing tight muscles, and alleviating pain. Additionally, a physical therapist may employ exercises designed explicitly for Achilles tendon recovery. These exercises could include calf stretches, heel drops, or eccentric calf raises.
Chiropractic Care for Achilles Injuries
Chiropractic care is another treatment option that could help alleviate Achilles injury pain. This type of treatment is primarily focused on aligning your spinal joints, promoting healing, and reducing inflammation in your body’s tissues. To achieve this, chiropractors will use hands-on manipulation techniques to adjust your spinal joints and other joints throughout your body. Additionally, chiropractic care can help reduce inflammation and accelerate healing by using complementary treatments such as ultrasound therapy, soft tissue therapy, and electric stimulation. These treatments help to stimulate your body’s natural healing mechanisms, reduce stress, improve blood circulation, and rebuild damaged tissue.
Rest and Recovery
Rest and recovery are essential parts of any Achilles injury treatment plan, regardless of whether you chose physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or both. The healing process for an Achilles injury can take weeks to months, and it is crucial to give your body adequate time to heal by resting and avoiding any activities that exacerbate your pain. During the recovery period, ice therapy is an effective means of reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain. This therapy involves applying ice to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours. Additionally, you can elevate your leg to improve blood circulation and reduce swelling. Make sure to follow your treatment plan and give your body the time it needs to heal.
Prevention Strategies
Suppose you are an athlete or someone who frequently engages in activities that put a strain on your Achilles tendon. In that case, it’s crucial to take preventative measures to avoid future injuries. To prevent Achilles injuries, ensure to:
- Incorporate a proper warm-up and stretching routine before any vigorous activity.
- Wear appropriate shoes for your activity and ensure they provide ample arch support.
- Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your activity to avoid sudden strain on your tendons.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the stress on your Achilles tendon and joints.
- Consult a Professional
If you are experiencing Achilles injury symptoms, it is essential to consult a professional. Delaying treatment can worsen your symptoms and lead to further complications. A qualified physical therapist or chiropractor can provide a thorough assessment of your condition, develop a personalized treatment plan, and help you get back on your feet.
In summary, Achilles injuries can be debilitating and excruciating to deal with. However, with the help of physiotherapy and chiropractic care, trifle with time and patience, and take preventative measures, you can recover and prevent future injuries. Finding the right practitioner for your specific needs can make a considerable difference in your treatment outcome. So, don’t wait, consult a professional, and begin your journey to recovery today!
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Tyler Baron, BASc, DC or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
