Wednesday, 01 February 2012

• The Treatment of Foot Pain By Insoles Caused by Achilles Tendonitis

  The Achilles tendon is the longest and stoutest of all the tendons in the body and its function is to connect the muscles in the heel with those in the calf. Without the ability of this tendon to deal with massive pressure, sometimes several times the weight of the body, humans will not be able to walk, run or jump. Achilles tendonitis can develop when the tendon becomes inflamed and tender, usually because of injuries, and this can cause foot pain.

  How Does the Condition Come About?

  Many people that partake in vigorous sports activities fail to stretch their muscles prior to taxing physical activities, and therefore place the tendon under an unacceptable amount of pressure. Some sports, such as tennis and basketball, require players to stop and start suddenly and to jump regularly, and these activities may contribute to the condition. Inflammation that leads to this condition can quickly develop in cases of physical injury to the ankle, calf or lower leg. Middle-aged or elder people may develop the condition from arthritis, and any form of bone growth in the heel may irritate the tendon and eventually lead to tendonitis.

  How Does One Recognize the Condition?

  Most people that suffer from Achilles tendonitis complain of severe pain behind the heel or of foot pain. Most patients report increased pain levels after periods of no physical activity, when getting up from bed, and when they have been sitting down for long periods. The affected area may be swollen and sensitive to touch, and especially sharp pain may be experienced when pushing or jumping. Standing on the toes is often excruciating.

  What Different Treatments are Available?

  The condition is relatively easy to treat with insoles and most cases are concluded with complete success. Most foot specialists advise patients to rest the affected foot, and this can often be achieved by wearing a cast. Many patients use special shoe insoles that lift the heel slightly from the ground, providing immediate relief. Most patient find that the improvement of the blood flow, achieved by using an ice pack, can lessen foot pain considerably for short periods. Most specialists prescribe medication and salves that aim to lessen the pain while dealing with the inflammation at the same time.

  Medical experts regard physical therapy as an important part of any treatment program and patients are encouraged to do exercises that are designed to make the muscles suppler yet stronger. Most foot specialist will not agree to surgery until they have tried every non-invasive treatment method. Most surgical procedures that aim to treat Achilles tendonitis concentrate upon the removal of a part of the tendon and subsequent lengthening of the remaining part.

  Can Achilles Tendonitis be Prevented?

  Foot pain due to Achilles tendonitis can often be avoided by following the basic rules of stretching and warming up before starting any serious exercise. Fitness experts concur that the best way to prevent injury to the tendons and the muscles is to keep them as flexible as possible.

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