Achilles Tendonitis/Calf Injuries

This condition is the tightening and swelling of the Achilles tendon within the sheath that surrounds it. This inflammation makes the contraction and relaxation of the calf muscle very difficult. Due to the accumulation of waste products in the calf muscles and the resultant shortening of certain fibers within these muscles, the Achilles tendon is tightened similar to a violin wire, and the likelihood of a more serious injury, like a ruptured Achilles, increases. Treatment consists of:

• Reduce activity during the acute phase - look to cross train.
• Ice injury multiple times per day (place foot/ankle in bucket of ice water).
• Use The Stick on involved calf muscles multiple times per day and gently begin stretching, both straight leg and bent knee (Maggs Muscle Management Program^TM).
• If available, apply ultra-sound treatment.
• Use 1/8" felt pad heel lifts in both shoes until symptoms are gone.
• Perform gentle plyometric exercises, such as hopping on toes or jump roping, to build elasticity in the muscle and tendon. Start minimally, and only after pain is gone.
• Use all natural anti-inflammatory (Rehab Plus) to reduce inflammation and speed up recovery.
• Evaluate shoes for wear and tear as well as proper mechanical fit.
• Determine foot-type and buy appropriate shoes.
• Consider custom orthotics.
• Consider Structural Fingerprint Exam with standing x-rays for proper and effective rehabilitation, reduced future injury potential and increased biomechanical efficiency.