Achilles Tendinitis
(Part 4)
This is a continuation of the topic on Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis
Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)
Anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and naproxen reduce pain and swelling.
They can help decrease your pain enough to allow you to perform physical therapy exercises as discussed below.
They do not, however, reduce the thickening of the degenerated tendon.
Using the medication for more than 1 month should be reviewed with your primary care doctor.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is very helpful in treating Achilles tendinitis. The following exercises and stretches can help to strengthen the calf muscles and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
- Calf stretch. Lean forward against a wall with one knee straight and your heel on the ground. Place the other leg in front, with the knee bent. To stretch the calf muscles and the heel cord, push your hips toward the wall in a controlled fashion. Hold the position for 10 seconds and relax. Repeat this exercise 20 times for each foot. You should feel a strong pull in the calf during the stretch.
- Eccentric Strengthening. Eccentric strengthening is defined as contracting (tightening) a muscle while it is getting longer. Eccentric strengthening exercises can cause damage to the Achilles tendon if they are not done correctly. At first, they should be performed under the supervision of a physical therapist. Once mastered with a therapist, the exercises can then be done at home. These exercises may cause some discomfort, but it should not be unbearable:
- Bilateral heel drop. Stand at the edge of a stair, or a raised platform that is stable, with just the front half of your foot on the stair. This position will allow your heel to move up and down without hitting the stair. Care must be taken to ensure that you are balanced correctly to prevent falling and injury. Be sure to hold onto a railing to help you balance. Lift your heels off the ground then slowly lower your heels to the lowest point possible. Repeat this step 20 times. This exercise should be done in a slow, controlled fashion. Rapid movement can create the risk of damage to the tendon. (To be continued)