Achilles Pain

Achilles pain can be caused by a variety of factors, often involving overuse, poor biomechanics, or muscle imbalances. Some common causes include:

• Overuse and Repetitive Activity

Activities like running, jumping, or frequent walking can place repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, especially when done improperly or without proper warm-up.

• Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendinitis refers to the inflammation of the tendon due to repetitive strain or micro-tears. It is common in runners and athletes who engage in sports that require sudden bursts of activity.

• Achilles Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is a general term for tendon injury, which involves both inflammation and changes to the tissue structure. It typically occurs when the tendon has been overloaded for an extended period.

• Improper Footwear

Wearing shoes that don’t provide adequate support or have poor cushioning can contribute to stress on the Achilles tendon, leading to pain or injury.

• Tight Calf Muscles

Tight calf muscles can pull on the Achilles tendon, leading to increased tension and potential injury.

• Poor Biomechanics

Gait issues, like flat feet or high arches, can alter the way your feet and legs function, placing excessive strain on the Achilles tendon.

At Grieb Chiropractic Clinic, we understand that treating Achilles pain requires more than just focusing on the tendon itself. Chiropractic care involves addressing the whole body to restore proper biomechanics and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. Here's how chiropractic care can help:

1. Spinal and Pelvic Adjustments for Proper Alignment

Misalignments in the spine, pelvis, or lower extremities can affect your gait and cause abnormal strain on the Achilles tendon. Chiropractic adjustments help to:

• Align the spine and pelvis to restore proper posture and balance
• Promote proper walking mechanics, reducing stress on the Achilles tendon
• Improve nerve function to support optimal muscle performance

2. Soft Tissue Therapy for the Achilles and Calf Muscles

Tight or overworked calf muscles can increase tension on the Achilles tendon, exacerbating pain. Chiropractic care involves soft tissue techniques such as:

• Myofascial release to relieve tension in the calf muscles
• Trigger point therapy to address tight spots in the muscles
• Deep tissue massage to improve circulation and facilitate healing

3. Stretching and Strengthening Exercises

To restore balance and flexibility, we prescribe specific stretching and strengthening exercises that target the Achilles tendon, calf muscles, and the lower leg. These exercises help:

• Increase flexibility in the Achilles tendon
• Strengthen supporting muscles to reduce strain on the tendon
• Prevent future injuries by addressing underlying imbalances

4.Orthotics for Foot Support

If you have flat feet, high arches, or other structural issues, custom orthotics can help correct your foot alignment. By providing support for the arches, orthotics can:

• Improve foot mechanics
• Reduce excessive tension on the Achilles tendon
• Provide cushioning to reduce strain during walking or running

Studies show that chiropractic care can significantly help in reducing pain and promoting recovery for Achilles tendinopathy.

• A study in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics found that chiropractic adjustments and soft tissue techniques led to significant improvements in pain and function for patients with tendon injuries (Cleland et al., 2007).
• Research published in the Journal of Sports Rehabilitation showed that manual therapy, including chiropractic adjustments, can enhance range of motion and decrease pain in athletes recovering from Achilles injuries (Vernon et al., 2014).
• A review in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine supports the use of cold laser therapy for reducing inflammation and pain in tendon injuries, including Achilles tendinopathy (Bjordal et al., 2008).