Insertional achilles tendonitis is characterized by inflammation and
pain surrounding the point where the achilles tendon and heel connect. This area
experiences extreme stress during any movement that involves excessive
stretching of the tendon or repetitive high-impact sports, producing
either severe inflammation or possibly even the tearing or rupturing of
the tendon.
The symptoms of insertional tendonitis usually involves tenderness directly over the Achilles tendon insertion
area--around the back of the heel where the tendon joins the bone.
Without proper treatment, this area experiences a gradient of discomfort
during repetitive activity, resulted in constant tenderness and/or
severe discomfort as the inflammation progresses.
Conservative treatment can resolve most cases of achilles tendonitis. The following treatments below can help treat and prevent this painful foot condition.
1) Ice twice a day with a frozen gel pack or water bottle for twenty minutes.
2) Calf stretching exercises before and after activity three sets for 30 seconds
3) 1/4 inch heel lifts placed in the back of shoes to take tension off of the back of the heel where the achilles tendon inserts.
4) Avoiding explosive activity (jumping, bootcamp) activities for a few weeks.
5) Rest to allow the inflammation to reduce
6) Topical and oral anti-inflammatory medication to reduce inflammation
7) Physical Therapy with ultrasound to reduce inflammation
8) Cross training via lower impact exercises
9) Achilles night splints which help to stretch the achilles tendon at night.
10) Custom foot orthotics with heel lift built into the orthotic and a top cover that incorporates shock absorption for the heel.
