Voice- The Bodyshop with Jennifer Black and Dr. Steve is brought to you by Allegheny Chesapeake Physical Therapy.
Jennifer Black - Good evening, welcome to The Body Shop. Our topic tonight is Achilles Tendonitis. So Dr. Steve what is new about this!
Dr. Steve - Well the injury is not new, but the treatment method is changing. This injury is considered an overuse problem.
The Achilles muscle is your main calf muscle, and the tendon which becomes inflamed attaches to the heel. The muscle and the tendon are responsible for propulsion in walking, running, jumping and landing.
This injury was so common in the early days of the running craze that the shoe industry made some changes. The athletic shoe business, specifically running shoes have been designed to prevent this, that is why they have a cut out in the back of the shoe and also why the shoe is higher in the back.
The treatment for the Achilles tendonitis now has good research for using eccentric strengthening. This is when we use the muscle in reverse; we start it in the shortened position and then lengthen it. Some people refer to this as negative work if you are a weight lifter.
Treatment will usually consist of:
Heel lift to give relative rest
Ice
Stretching
Massage
Ultrasound
Topical anti-inflamatories
Eccentric strengthening
Jennifer Black - Should you try to treat this yourself.
Dr. Steve - No you want professional help these injuries are at times early signs of an impending Achilles tear, so see a physical therapist.
Jennifer Black - If you want more information contact Dr. Steve at 1- 800- NEW SELF or www.alleghenyChesapeake.com
Dr. Steve Show/The Body Shop