The Treatment of Foot Pain By Insoles Caused by Achilles Tendonitis
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The Achilles tendon is the longest and stoutest of all the tendons in the body and its function is to connect the muscles in the heel with those in the calf. This tendon is subject to tremendous pressure and in cases of running or jumping it sometimes needs to manage up to twelve times the body weight. When the tendon becomes inflamed and irritated, Achilles tendonitis can develop, causing sufferers a great deal of discomfort and foot pain.
What are the Causes of the Condition?
Many people that partake in vigorous sports activities fail to stretch their muscles prior to taxing physical activities, and therefore place the tendon under an unacceptable amount of pressure. It is especially activities that require a great degree of jumping, sudden changes of directions and spurts of running that place athletes at danger. When the ankle, foot or lower legs are injured, inflammation often results, and this may lead to Achilles tendonitis. Sometimes new bone grows at the base of the heel and this growth may prove to be an irritant to the tendon, eventually leading to Achilles tendonitis in older people.
What are the Main Signs?
Most people that suffer from this condition complain of severe pain behind the heel and of foot pain. Most patients report increased pain levels after periods of no physical activity, when getting up from bed, and when they have been sitting down for long periods. The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch, and especially sharp pain may be experienced when pushing or jumping. Very few people with the condition can stand tippy-toe.
What are the Options for Treatment?
There are several treatment options for Achilles tendonitis, ranging from shoe insoles to drastic surgical interventions. The most effective cure can often be achieved by ensuring that all the muscles in the foot, ankle and heel are rested for a prolonged period of time. Lifting the heel by means of special shoe insoles can also help to relieve the pressure on the tendon. By applying ice to the afflicted area, the blood flow can be improved, and this may also provide temporary reprieve from foot pain. Most medical practitioners will prescribe some form of anti-inflammatory medication, and even ointments that aim to topical relief.
No treatment program is deemed to be complete without some form of physical therapy that aims to not only strengthen the muscles, but also to make them suppler. When every possible treatment method has been tried without success, surgery may be considered as a last resort. Surgery usually involves the removal of the damaged part of the tendon, followed by lengthening the tendon or moving the tendon attachment in the heel.
Can Achilles Tendonitis be Prevented?
Foot pain due to Achilles tendonitis can often be avoided by wearing insoles and following the basic rules of stretching and warming up before starting any serious exercise. Fitness experts concur that the best way to prevent injury to the tendons and the muscles is to wear insoles and keep them as flexible as possible.
