How Do I Heal My Achilles?
The first step in treating tendinITIS is to stop the aggravating activities! Ice, rest and anti-inflammatories can reduce pain and inflammation. As you start to feel better, you may slowly resume your activities pain-free. If your symptoms do not get better or worsen, see your PT or MD.
Achilles TendinOSIS on the other hand is chronic and a result of microscopic tears of the tendon. It is not inflammation such as tendinitis, instead it is thickening of the tendon which is degenerative and long term which does not respond to anti inflammation treatment.
Treatment for tendinosis usually consists of physical therapy utilizing eccentric exercises which has been found to be the most effective way to stimulate tissue healing of the damaged tissue and pain free stretching; shoe inserts have also been found to be helpful.
It is important to get a correct diagnosis when dealing with Achilles tendon pain. Do not self-diagnose, instead see your physical therapist or MD for help with your pain.
