Darrell Said:

i have a question about achilles tendonitis and a burning pain?

We Answered:

i think it is because of the scar tissue and also because it is trying to heal so it is going to be tight because your body is telling it to rest but if you rest it to long then it can tighten up and get worse.

Ted Said:

my physical therapy isn't making my injury get better.. can i just stop going...?

We Answered:

Once treatment is started, achilles tendonitis (and any tendonitis) is going to take a LONG time to recover. This is because it is not an inflammatory condition, rather it is a chronic condition where inferior connective tissues have been laid down to replace previously injured tissue AND that tendons inherintly receive a poor blood supply which prolongs recovery. It takes a significant and regular amount of loading to physically REMODEL the tissue over time. This requires serious commitment to a home exercise program which has progressed to eccentric loading and ballistic movements. This course of treatment can last from about 3 months on the earlier side to 12 months or longer to optimally restore the connective tissue. However, much of this can be done on a home program with occasional follow ups to progress the program. Progression goes from stretching to concentric strengthening (heel raises), loaded concentric strengthening from two to one feet, then to eccentric strengthening (heel drops off a stair) from two to one foot, then loaded, then ballistic/plyometric movements (two step heel drops). This all requires patience, time, and occasional follow ups with the therapist to determine when it is appropriate to progress the program.

...of course you always have the right to discontinue PT...I just wouldn't recommend it without discussing the ramifications.

Good luck.

Brandy Said:

achilles tendonitis question?

We Answered:

There could be some issues going on with the nerves toward the area around the Achilles tendon, but I would recommend consulting with a Podiatrist (a doctor that diagnoses and treats diseases and conditions that relate to the foot such as Achilles tendonitis) to see what they think could be going on if you haven't already.

Daniel Said:

Bad achilles tendonitis?

We Answered:

I'd never recommend an injection for a 16 y/o. Surgery is likely not an option either. Have you tried daily stretching and eccentric exercises? If you're not sure what the latter is you can easily Google it and get a plethora of information. You said earlier that therapy helped a lot and then you said he's sending you back and that "it isn't helping". Little confused there. You need to return to your P.T. and get instructions in eccentric strengthening and flexibility exercises. Also, while in therapy you'd benefit from pulsed ultrasound and possibly some iontophoresis w/ dexamethasone. Hope you feel better.

Gene Said:

scar tissue associated with achilles tendonitis?

We Answered:

The dysfunctional fibers that form in the tendon with achilles tendonitis take quite a long time to remodel. It can go away with physical therapy when taken through a progression from range of motion, to resistive exercise, to eccentric loading and finally ballistic loading (physical therapy terms). Due to the poor blood supply that tendons receive, this is a process that takes weeks to months to feel better rather than days to weeks.

Some of the more recent research shows that remodeling is still occuring after a year. It doesn't mean you will be in pain that long or need to be in PT that long, but it does imply you will need to continue with your exercises during that remodeling phase.

Kristen Said:

Chronic Achilles Tendonitis?

We Answered:

IF YOU DONT FEEL THAT A BIKE IS A GOOD IDEA, THEN GET A LETTER FROM YOUR DR STATING THAT YOU CANNOT RIDE A BIKE AND YOU WONT HAVE TO DO THAT.
SEE IF THERE IS SOME PAPERWORK THAT YOU CAN DO FOR THE REST OF THE YEAR....
MEANWHILE GET A 2ND OPINION FROM ANOTHER ORTHOPAEDIC DR.

Deborah Said:

Does anyone have chronic achilles tendonitis? If so, what did you do for it?

We Answered:

I have this con which flares up now and again, and have had steriod injections which dont work, i do find wearing a small heal works, wearing flats seems to make it worse.

Below are a few things you can do good luck.
Cold Therapy Wraps - can be wrapped around to apply cold and compression reducing pain and inflammation.
Arch Support Insoles - or orthotic type insoles which give firm support for the arch of the foot can help prevent over pronation and improve foot biomechanics. Overpronation of the foot causes the achilles tendon to twist, increasing the stress on it.
Slant Board - this is excellent for applying an accurate and gradual stretch to the calf muscles. It is easy to identify and difference in calf muscle flexibility when stretching both legs at once. Stretching can be progressively increased and a much greater degree of stretching is possible over achilles stretches on the floor.
Achilles tendon straps - this wraps around the ankle and applies gentlr pressure onto the achilles tendon. It works by reducing the shock and tension in the achilles tendon in the same was as a tennis elbow support works.
Heel Pads - can slightly raise the heels which temporarily shortens the calf muscles reducing stress on the achilles tendons. Also reduces shock which may also reduce stresses on the tendon.
Night Splint - is worn over night to apply a very gentle stretch and prevent tightening of the achilles tendon and plantar fascia. Mainly advertised as plantar fasciitis night splints they are also excellent for achilles / calf muscle flexibility.