Achilles Tendon Therapy

The Achilles tendon is a large tendon that attaches to the foot at the heel and runs along the back of the calf. The Achilles tendon may be strained, torn or become inflamed (tendonitis) due to physical activity that puts too much stress on the tendon; proper treatment of an Achilles injury will help speed recover and prevent future injury.

  1. Rest

    • Rest is an essential part of treating any tendon injury. Keeping weight off the affected tendon will allow it to heal without exacerbating the injury by introducing strain similar to what caused it.

    Ice

    • Applying ice to the injured tendon can limit swelling, which will help speed recovery. Ice should be applied immediately after injury for 15 minutes every couple hours for the first few days and whenever the area is painful.

    Footwear

    • Proper footwear is essential to limit injuries to the feet and ankle. Seek help from a podiatrist or sports shoe expert to make sure you are wearing shoes that work well for your foot type.

    Stretching

    • Doing regular calf stretching is important to maintain range of motion in the ankle and keep the Achilles tendon flexible so that it can resist strain.

    Exercises

    • Exercises that strengthen the muscles surrounding the Achilles, the ankle and feet will promote stability. Heel raises and balancing on one foot are good exercises to build support.