Washington DC Achilles Tendonitis Treatment

What is Achilles tendonitis?

Achilles tendonitis, also known as Achilles tendinitis, is characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is the band of tissue connecting the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone. It occurs due to overuse or repetitive strain on the tendon, leading to pain and stiffness in the back of the ankle or heel. Symptoms may worsen with physical activity and can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and swelling. If left untreated, Achilles tendonitis can increase the risk of tendon rupture. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, stretching exercises, physical therapy, and in some cases, medication or orthotic devices.

Does physical therapy help Achilles tendonitis?

Physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis can be very effective. The goals of physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis include reducing pain and inflammation, improving tendon strength and flexibility, preventing further injury, and restoring normal function. Here are some ways physical therapy may help:

• Pain Reduction: Using ice, compression, and laser to decrease pain and swelling.
• Stretching: Enhancing calf and Achilles flexibility to reduce tendon stress.
• Strengthening: Building calf muscle strength to support the Achilles and prevent injuries.
• Manual Therapy: Mobilizing surrounding tissues to improve flexibility and circulation. 
• Education: Advising on activity modifications and proper footwear to avoid aggravating the tendon.
• Eccentric Training: Promoting tendon healing through specific strengthening exercises.
• Gait Analysis: Correcting walking or running patterns to minimize tendon strain.

At Release Physical Therapy we will customize your treatment plan to optimize your speed of recovery!

How long is physical therapy after Achilles tendon surgery?

The duration of physical therapy after Achilles tendon surgery varies depending on the extent of the surgery, your health status, the specific protocol recommended by the surgeon, and your progress during rehabilitation. Your therapist at Release Physical Therapy will work with you and your surgeon to make sure your protocol is followed. This general timeline provides an idea of what to expect:

• Initial Recovery (0-6 Weeks)
  Focus on protecting the repair, managing pain, and inflammation. Activities include non-weight-bearing and gentle range-of-motion exercises within cast or boot limits.
  

• Early Rehabilitation (6-12 Weeks)
  Gradual weight-bearing introduction and progression to gentle strengthening, flexibility, and balance exercises.

• Intermediate Rehabilitation (3-6 Months)
  Increase in activity level with more intensive strengthening, flexibility work, and functional activities.

• Advanced Rehabilitation (6-12 Months)
  Focus on full strength, endurance, flexibility restoration, and return to activities or sports.

At Release Physical Therapy, we may use Blood Flow Restriction during your rehabilitation. Studies have shown a significant increase in calf strength in patients who received BFR during post-Achilles tendon rupture repair compared to those who did not.

Key Factors:

• Surgery Type and Injury Severity: Complex repairs may extend rehab.
• Patient Compliance and Healing: Adherence to protocols and individual healing rates impact duration.
• Activity Goals: Higher physical demands may lengthen the rehabilitation process.

Overall, Achilles tendonitis treatment physical therapy duration ranges from several months up to a year,  at Release Physical Therapy each treatment and plan of care will be tailored to each person’s individual needs.

What is the best physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis?

The best physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis typically includes:

• Eccentric Strengthening: Eccentric heel drops to promote tendon healing.

• Stretching: Calf stretches to relieve tendon tension.

• Manual Therapy: Massage and mobilization to improve tissue mobility. At Release Physical Therapy we specialize in manual therapy and have state-of-the-art equipment to aid in a faster recovery a few things that will help you recover faster. Graston, Laser Therapy,  Shockwave Therapy, Therapeutic Massage, Active Release Technique (ART)

• Pain Management: Ice, compression, elevation, and Laser Therapy

• Muscle Strengthening: Calf strengthening to support the Achilles and prevent future injuries. Which may include Blood Flow Restriction

• Load Management Education: Guidance on activity modification to prevent overuse.

• Footwear Advice: Recommendations for supportive shoes or inserts.

• Orthotics: Custom orthotics or heel lifts for biomechanical issues.

When does physical therapy start after Achilles tendon surgery?

Physical therapy after Achilles tendon surgery generally begins within the first one to two weeks post-operation, focusing on gentle range-of-motion exercises to maintain flexibility and stimulate blood flow, while adhering to non-weight-bearing protocols. At Release Physical Therapy we will also use Laser Treatment during this early phase to encourage more blood flow and accelerate healing. The exact start time and activities vary based on the type of surgery, injury severity, and your surgeon’s recommendations. Therapy progresses from protective measures to include weight-bearing, strengthening, and flexibility exercises, tailored to the healing progress.

What is the fastest way to heal Achilles tendonitis?

To expedite the healing of Achilles tendonitis, we advise you to come into Release as soon as you start feeling pain. The sooner we see you the faster we can get you better!  At Release we will use state-of-the-art equipment, regenerative treatments such as Shockwave Therapy, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercises focusing on eccentric calf exercises and stretching, to improve tendon health. Supportive shoes or orthotics can reduce tendon strain. If advisable, anti-inflammatory medications can help manage symptoms. Gradually reintroduce activities to prevent re-injury.

Is walking good exercise for Achilles tendonitis?

Walking can be beneficial for those with Achilles tendonitis but should be approached with caution. For those in the early stages of recovery or experiencing acute symptoms, walking might exacerbate the condition due to the repetitive strain it places on the Achilles tendon. As symptoms improve, walking can be gradually reintroduced as a low-impact activity that promotes circulation, flexibility, and strength in the affected area. Start with short, gentle walks, paying attention to proper footwear that provides adequate support and cushioning for the heel and arch. Ensure that walking aids rather than hinder the healing process by consulting your Release PT therapist.

Does Achilles tendonitis ever go away?

Achilles tendonitis can go away with appropriate management and treatment. The key to recovery lies in addressing the inflammation and strain on the Achilles tendon through a combination of physical therapy, rest, exercises, proper footwear, and, in some cases, orthotic support. Early and effective physical therapy treatment prevents the condition from becoming chronic or leading to more serious injuries like tendon tears. In most cases, with physical therapy and modifications to activities that stress the tendon, you can fully recover from Achilles tendonitis and return to activities without persistent pain.

What worsens Achilles tendonitis?

Several factors can worsen Achilles tendonitis, leading to increased pain and a prolonged healing process.

Factors that can worsen Achilles tendonitis include overuse, improper footwear, tight calf muscles, sudden increases in activity, poor biomechanics, and inadequate rest or recovery. These elements increase strain on the Achilles tendon, leading to heightened pain and delayed healing.

What is the best position to sleep in with Achilles tendonitis?

The best sleeping position for Achilles tendonitis is on your back with the affected leg slightly elevated. This position reduces swelling and strain on the Achilles tendon by promoting venous return and decreasing inflammation. You can use pillows or a folded blanket under the calf or foot of the injured leg to maintain elevation. This setup aids in managing pain and discomfort and supports the healing process by minimizing additional stress on the tendon. Ensuring that the foot and ankle are in a neutral position, rather than pointed or flexed helps prevent stiffness. Adjusting your sleeping environment to accommodate these needs makes a  difference in recovery.

How many weeks of physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis?

Physical therapy for Achilles tendonitis at Release PT typically spans from 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the condition’s severity, your progress, and your goals. Physical therapy phases include managing pain and inflammation, enhancing flexibility, strengthening the tendon and muscles, and functional training. The exact timeline varies based on each person, emphasizing the importance of following your therapy plan and allowing for adjustments based on progress assessments.

To schedule an appointment at Release Physical Therapy access our online appointment scheduling – you can even choose your preferred time, date, location, and physical therapist. Book an appointment online instantly! You can also call our office at (202) 974-6621.