According to reports, one in five people in Sydney experience foot pain. As vital body parts, your feet help you stand, walk, and run. However, with 4,000 steps being taken daily on average, prioritising foot health is essential. Neglecting the Achilles tendon causes Achilles tendonitis, which leads to discomfort and pain in your feet. If you think you might require an achilles tendonitis treatment in Sydney, this guide will prepare you for your first appointment.
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Feet is a complex network of muscles, ligaments, bones, and tendons—each tissue plays a vital role in the functioning of the feet. The Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles to the heels. Straining, overusing, or putting pressure on the Achilles tendon causes it to inflame, resulting in pain and irritation. The damage caused by excessive strain on the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendonitis.
Types of Achilles Tendonitis
Primarily, there are two types of Achilles tendonitis:
Insertional
Insertional Achilles tendonitis causes pain and discomfort in your heels and the tendon’s lower section. This injury does not have an age range. Any person, regardless of their age or the physical task they engage in, can experience it.
Non-Insertional
In non-insertional Achilles tendonitis, the middle section of the Achilles tendon wears and tears, affecting the fibres. Unlike insertional Achilles tendonitis, this type is common in physically active young adults.
Signs You Need an Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Acute Achilles tendon rupture is one of Australia’s most reported foot injuries, affecting 20% of the population. Various signs and symptoms point to a damaged tendon, such as swollen heels, experiencing pain in your feet while walking, or frequent foot cramps. Other symptoms include:
- Stiff and swollen Achilles tendon
- Redness around the heel and tendon area
- Protruding Achilles tendon
- Experiencing pain and irritation while flexing or moving your toes
If you experience pain in your feet, schedule an achilles tendonitis treatment in Sydney for better foot health and timely care.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
While overusing the part is a primary cause of this ailment, it is not the only factor. Various factors can lead to a painful and inflamed Achilles tendon, such as:
Sports Injuries
Most sports require constant movement of feet, especially activities like dance, football, basketball, tennis, badminton, cricket, and athletics. Making swift turns, staying up on toes, and putting pressure on the heels can cause Achilles tendon injuries. In 2021, Australia reported forty-one such injuries, accounting for 0.8% of sports-related incidents.
Lack of Warm-Up Exercises
Warming up before engaging in sports or physical activities at Sydney Cricket Ground or Drummoyne Oval loosens your muscles and tendons, reducing the chances of swollen or stiff tissues. Your body needs time and movement to adjust to highly strenuous activities.
Ill-Fitting Gear
Wearing ill-fitting shoes that are too tight or open strain your feet or leave enough room for injuries. Putting on fitting footwear ensures good foot health. Wearing high heels regularly also leads to a swollen heel bone.
Age
Joint stiffness and inflammation, such as arthritis, can also cause pain and swelling in your tendon, resulting in pain.
In Conclusion
Not taking proper care of your feet or straining or overusing it can wear and tear your tendons. While you can follow DIY and home remedies to fix your Achilles tendonitis, it is always best to visit a professional. A timely treatment heals, relaxes, and strengthens your tendons. Medical professionals are licensed to treat your injuries and ensure your feet remain healthy.
