December 2016

Treating Achilles’ Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon pain is also referred to as tendonitis. It is caused by swelling, stiffness and tears in the connective tissues. Connective tissues are located around your heels and the ankle’s sides. The Achilles tendonitis is usually confused with other conditions which are more or less similar such as the heel spurs or plantar fasciitis. Achilles tendon pain is classified as a running injury.

It is mainly caused when the tendon is subjected to a lot of stress and strains leading to micro tears. Other risk factors associated with Achilles pain include joint degeneration, aging and weak leg muscles.

Achilles tendonitis is classified into two depending on where the inflammation of the tendon occurs. The two typesof Achilles tendonitis include the following

  • Insertional Achilles tendinitis-This type affects the lower part of your heel at the point where the tendon is attached to your heel bone.
  • Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis-This type affects the middle part of the tendon.
    Here are the effective natural treatments for tendonitis

Resting and stretching

You should rest and then ice the affected part of Resting and stretchingyour tendon. This helps in keeping the swelling down. A moldable ice pack can also be pressed against the tendon’s area for about twenty minutes. Ice is very effective when used immediately on the affected portion. The procedure is repeated after every about five hours for three to five days.

During this period the affected foot should be rested. You can take a small break from standing or exercising to avoid stretching the affected portion. However, the heel can be stretched gently as this aid in recovery.

Physical therapy and posture correction exercises

Postural adjustments and physical therapy are recommended since they help in reducing compensations and weakness. These practices are beneficial for those individuals having Achilles tendinitis. A trained practitioner or a physical therapist can help and guide you in performing the stretches and eccentric exercises correctly.

Improving your posture helps in preventing potential future injuries. Furthermore, physical therapy is very important for those individuals who are in the process of recovering from severe injury.

Prolotherapy treatment

This treatment helps in repairing the damaged tendons. There two types of prolotherapy ( PPR and saline method ) are used in the treatment of the injured tendons. These treatments are effective in treating chronic Achilles tendinopathy, but PPR is the most suited method.

Use of supplements to reduce inflammation

Some supplements have powerful anti-inflammatory properties which help in managing and reducing secondary infections. You are advised to take the following supplements.

  • Omega-3 fatty Gingeracids
  • Ginger and turmeric,
  • Bovine collagen
  • Bone broth protein
Healing diet rich in collagen

Collagen is an essential protein which gives the connective tissue its strength and durability. You should, therefore, consume a lot of collagen to help in the repair of the damaged connective tissues. It also helps in reducing pressure and friction between the joints and the bones.…