Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis also know as Achilles tendinopothy is a condition characterised by the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon plays a crucial role in activities like walking, running, and jumping by helping to lift the heel off the ground. Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury particularly prevalent among athletes and active individuals.

Causes of Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis typically results from repetitive stress to the tendon. Several factors can contribute to the condition, including:

  • Overuse: Increased physical activity, especially without proper conditioning.
  • Improper Footwear: Wearing shoes that lack adequate support or cushioning.
  • Foot Biomechanics: Abnormal foot structures such as flat feet or high arches.
  • Sudden Increase in Activity: Quickly escalating the intensity or duration of physical activities.
  • Tight Calf Muscles: Lack of flexibility in the calf muscles puts extra strain on the Achilles tendon.
Achilles Tendonitis - Elite Foot Care Sunshine Coast

Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis

Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis include:

  • Pain and Stiffness: Pain at the back of the heel, which can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that may radiate up the lower leg.
  • Swelling: Swelling in the area around the Achilles tendon.
  • Tenderness: The tendon may become sensitive to touch.
  • Morning Stiffness: Pain and stiffness tend to be worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis is typically made through:

  • Physical Examination: Assessing tenderness, swelling, and pain in the tendon area.
  • Imaging Tests: Ultrasound or MRI may be used to evaluate the extent of inflammation and rule out other conditions like tears.

Achilles Tendinitis Treatment Options

Treating Achilles tendinitis involves a combination of approaches designed to reduce pain, promote healing, and prevent recurrence:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Limiting activities that exacerbate pain and stress on the tendon.
  • Footwear: Wearing supportive shoes and avoiding high heels can help reduce strain on the tendon.
  • Orthotics: Custom orthotic devices can correct foot biomechanics and distribute pressure more evenly.
  • Stretching and Strengthening Exercises: Exercises to improve flexibility and strengthen the calf muscles and Achilles tendon.
  • Shockwave Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses sound waves to stimulate tendon repair.

In severe cases where there’s significant damage to the tendon or conservative treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be considered.

 

Read more about our treatment options for Achilles tendinitis:

Sunshine Coast Custom Orthotics

Custom Orthotics

A custom orthotic supports and aligns your lower limb putting the muscles and joints it in a position of congruence. Elite Foot Care has a state of the art custom orthotics manufacturing lab on the Sunshine Coast. This allows us to have complete control over the manufacturing process, resulting in

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Running and Gate Assessments at Elite Foot Care

Gait and Running Assessments

Walking and running will be assessed with video analysis giving us the most accurate information to evaluate the patients upper body functions through to their lower limbs. The presenting injury/symptom will be assessed upon relevant medical history, conditions, occupational hazards and physical activities. Once a thorough medical screening has been

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Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot Mobilisation Therapy

Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT) is a manual therapy technique that aims to restore normal function to the foot and lower limb by addressing the underlying cause of dysfunction. Unlike other treatments that may focus solely on symptom relief, FMT targets the root cause of pain and discomfort, promoting long-term healing

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Dry Needling

Dry Needling

Dry needing is a form of soft tissue therapy designed to release myofascial trigger points, which are defined as tight muscle fibres. Trigger point dry needling can be carried out at superficial or deep tissue level. It is used to release these tight trigger points and allow full function back

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Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy has positive effects on tissue regeneration for tendons, bones, muscles and cartilage. It is a great treatment option for acute and longterm soreness and injury. The Swiss DolorClast® Shockwave uses single acoustic pressure waves to treat musculoskeletal and dermatological pathologies.

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Footwear Assessment

Footwear Assessments

Elite Foot Care have access to a broad range of footwear designed for all walks of life at our Woombye and Sippy Downs locations! As part of our podiatry service, our podiatrists are able to provide you with the suitable, recommended footwear options from our own footwear store. Alternatively we

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Foot and Ankle Strapping - Elite Foot Care

Strapping

Foot and ankle strapping is a therapeutic technique used by podiatrists to stabilise affected areas, prevent exacerbation of injuries, and promote healing. By using high-quality, non-elastic, or elastic tape, strapping can provide temporary relief and support for various foot and ankle conditions.

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Footwear Modification - Elite Foot Care

Footwear Modifications

Footwear modifications involve making specific adjustments to shoes to enhance their fit, comfort, functionality, and support. These modifications can address a range of foot and lower limb issues, helping to prevent pain and injury while promoting optimal foot health.

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Exercise Prescription - Elite Foot Care

Exercise Prescription

Exercise prescription using the VALD Performance Assessment system involves tailoring rehabilitation programs based on detailed biomechanical analysis. This approach allows for the design of progressive rehab programs aimed at addressing specific patient needs, optimising recovery, and enhancing overall performance.

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Preventive Measures

To prevent Achilles tendinitis, you can:

  • Gradually increase the intensity of your physical activities.
  • Wear properly fitting, supportive footwear suited to your activity.
  • Regularly perform stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf muscles.
  • Use custom orthotics if recommended by your podiatrist.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce unnecessary strain on the tendons.

 

At our Sunshine Coast Podiatry clinics, our dedicated team of podiatrists is committed to providing comprehensive care for Achilles tendinitis. We offer personalised treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and lifestyle.

Our goal is to help you recover fully and get back to your active routine without pain.

If you’re experiencing symptoms of Achilles tendinitis, contact our friendly reception team on 07 5328 3588 or book online.

Jay Lewis Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Jarrod McGuinness Podiatrist - Elite Foot Care
Dean Taylor - Elite Foot Care
Daniel Neil - Elite Foot Care
Ajay Mahadev - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Josh Taylor - Elite Foot Care Podiatrist
Gabrielle Riach - Elite Foot Care

Our Therapists

Our team of Podiatrists have decades of experience treating all hip, knee, leg, ankle, foot and heel pain as well as a range of skin and nail conditions including ingrown toenails, fungal nail infections and more.

They share a passion for helping the community stay strong and active, helping them achieve their ultimate health outcomes. 

Their experience combined with the best treatment technologies available, allow us to achieve the best outcomes for our community.

Benefits of a personalised treatment plan

Reduced Pain

Using the worlds best treatment technology and methods, we can accelerate your recovery to achieve your ultimate health outcome sooner.

Increased Strength

With a prescribed exercise rehab program, your surrounding muscles will strengthen and take the load off your affected tissue. The result is lasting pain relief.

Become More Active

Working with your Podiatrist to complete your personalised treatment plan, you'll be able to do more of the things you love with friends and family.

How it works

1. Schedule an Appointment

Book online or call one of our friendly reception staff on 07 5328 3588 to find a time that suits you.

2. We Handle the Details

Our experienced Podiatrists will diagnose, create a custom treatment plan and treat in the very first session.

3. Be More Active With Less Pain

Spend more time with your family and friends being active and doing the things you love.

What you'll get...

Experienced Podiatrists

Our Podiatrists have decades of experience treating an array of conditions.

Comprehensive Consultations

Our Podiatrists will leave no stone unturned in finding the root cause of your issue.

Personalised Treatment Plans

Our Podiatrists will create a truly custom treatment plan to achieve your ideal outcomes.

Communication

Our Podiatrists will clearly explain your condition, providing insight into its nature and treatment options.

Best Treatment Technology

We utilise state-of-the-art treatment technologies including: Shockwave Therapy, 3D Laser Scanners, Lunula Fungal Nail Laser to provide our patients with the best possible care. 

On-site Manufacturing

Our on-site orthotics manufacturing lab allows us to do same or next day orthotic dispenses.

Begin your journey to a pain free future.

Woombye Podiatrists

4/40 Wilson Avenue, Woombye, 4559

Sippy Downs Podiatrists

15 Fairfax Street, Sippy Downs, 4556
(level 2 in Fairfax Village building)