The achilles tendon is the large tendon located at the back of the leg that inserts into the heel. The term Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation of this tendon and/or the tendon sheath that surrounds the tendon. Pain experienced can range between a mild soreness and a severe sharp, burning pain. Often people get pain on arising in the morning or after long periods of sitting, or during sport or exercise.
Achilles tendonitis is often associated with a change or increase in activity or sport. The powerful Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles at the back of the leg become overused in these instances and increases the pull and tightness of the Achilles tendon. Prolonged cases of Achilles tendonitis can lead to weakening and rupture of the Achilles tendon.
Incorrect shoe selection, direct injury and insufficient stretching are some causes related to Achilles tendonitis, but overpronation and oversupination are the most common causes. Overpronation (increased inward-rolling of the foot and ankle or “flat foot”) and oversupination (increased outward-rolling of the foot and ankle or high-arched foot) causes extra strain on the achilles tendon. In extreme cases, this overpronation or oversupination can cause bowing of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel.
For many years podiatrists have prescribed orthotics (prescription foot supports) for adults with this problem to control the underlying poor foot posture and the painful symptoms that result.
Achilles Tendonitis
The achilles tendon is the large tendon located at the back of the leg that inserts into the heel. The term Achilles tendonitis refers to the inflammation of this tendon and/or the tendon sheath that surrounds the tendon. Pain experienced can range between a mild soreness and a severe sharp, burning pain. Often people get pain on arising in the morning or after long periods of sitting, or during sport or exercise.
Achilles tendonitis is often associated with a change or increase in activity or sport. The powerful Gastrocnemius and Soleus muscles at the back of the leg become overused in these instances and increases the pull and tightness of the Achilles tendon. Prolonged cases of Achilles tendonitis can lead to weakening and rupture of the Achilles tendon.
Incorrect shoe selection, direct injury and insufficient stretching are some causes related to Achilles tendonitis, but overpronation and oversupination are the most common causes. Overpronation (increased inward-rolling of the foot and ankle or “flat foot”) and oversupination (increased outward-rolling of the foot and ankle or high-arched foot) causes extra strain on the achilles tendon. In extreme cases, this overpronation or oversupination can cause bowing of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel.
For many years podiatrists have prescribed orthotics (prescription foot supports) for adults with this problem to control the underlying poor foot posture and the painful symptoms that result.