achilles tendonitis

 

Ask a PT Response: "Do you have an idea of what may have contributed to your achilles tendonitis (ie. running on uneven surfaces, change of workout, flexibility issues, strength issues, etc)? This will be important to know to help with preventing a recurrence and with developing a plan of care specific to your needs. For my patients who have this condition, I would have them stop performing the activities which exacerbate the condition. Gentle stretching along with range of motion and lower level strengthening exercises (ie. ankle isometrics or resisted strengthening with low resistance theraband) are initiated. As my patients condition improves I would start having them work on more challenging activites. An example of progression for my patients includes: 1) bike, ROM, gentle strengthening, gentle stretching 2) elliptical, ROM, stretching, strengthening, low level closed chain exercises 3) light jog on treadmill, strengthening, stretching, higher level closed chain exercises 4) run, functionally based exerices: jump, pivot, squat, cut, etc. These are just general guidelines and without examining you and knowing more about your situation, it would not be possible to provide you with a specific program. I would recommend you see a PT if you continue to have difficulties or would like a plan of care specific for your needs. Best of luck to you."