The Best Physical Therapy for the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscles. It is the thickest and strongest tendon on your body because leg muscles are the strongest muscles in your body. The calf muscles allow you to run, walk and jump, and the Achilles tendon must be able to endure not only your weight but the extra stress that some activities place on the tendon.

Injuries

• According to Achillestendon.com, more than 230,000 Achilles tendons are injured each year in the United States. They are caused by things like tightness in the hip or back, high or low arches in the feet, training, alternating heel heights in your shoes and uneven legs.

Tendinosis and Rupture

• Tendinosis and tendon rupture are the two most common injuries to the Achilles tendon. Tendinosis begins with morning stiffness in the tendon that gradually grows worse. A tendon rupture occurs when the tendon actually tears (either partially or completely). This injury is debilitating and painful. Acute tendinosis and a partial rupture are sometimes hard to distinguish.

Rest

• After an injury to your Achilles tendon, rest is what it needs. This allows the tendon to begin healing without being used in normal movements that could further damage the tendon or at least hold off any recovery. Depending on how severe the injury is, you may need to give it a month of rest. Rest does not mean total inactivity. You can still swim or do moderate cycling as long as the activities don't cause pain.

Stretch and Exercise

• You should stretch your calf muscles for at least 20 minutes each day. The idea is to loosen up the muscles. If other leg muscles (such as in the hips or thighs) are contributing to the problem, loosen them up as well. This can be done by standing on the edge of a stair and slowly raising and lowering your heels. Another exercise is to stand two feet from a wall and lean toward the wall while keeping your heels flat on the floor.

Specialized Therapy

• Your physical therapist will probably have the equipment to do more specialized therapies that help the tendon at a deeper level. These therapies include ultrasound, electric stimulation and laser photostimulation.