Gig Harbor Chiropractor Helps With
Achilles Tendinitis

Gig Harbor chiropractic patients know our legs carry us to many places throughout our lifetime. The strength from the bottom of our feet to the calves up till the thighs. We run, we walk, We slide with our legs.

What Is Achilles Tendinitis in Gig Harbor?

Achilles tendonitis is an injury or damage of the Achilles tendon, which is a band of tissue that connects the calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.

The pain usually begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after any activity but the further use of the same set or similar set of actions can lead to more severe pain. There can also be tenderness, stiffness, etc.
There can be swelling, tight calf muscles, limitations in the range of motion, etc.

Causes and Risk Factors of Achilles Tendinitis

There are many causes for Achilles tendinitis, some of which include:

• Exercising without warmups
• Overstraining the muscles in the calves during repeated physical activities
• Playing sports with quick stops and sudden changes of direction
• A sudden increase in physical activities
• Wrong shoes, either worn out or ill-fitting.
• Wearing heels for a long time
• Having bone spurs in the back of the heels
• Aging

There are a few risk factors for Achilles tendinitis:

• Being men
• Aging
• Being obese
• Having tight calf muscles
• Having flat feet
• Wearing worn-out shoes
• Cold weather, uneven training ground
• Certain antibiotics
• Certain medical conditions like arthritis, lupus, gout, etc.
• Wearing high heels frequently
• Having bone spurs

Treatments for Achilles Tendinitis

Home treatments for Achilles tendonitis include:

• Proper stretching
• Cold compress
• Using athletic tape
• Raising foot above the heart to reduce swelling
• Taking meds to reduce pain, swelling, inflammation, and discomfort
• Not putting pressure on the foot
• Wearing proper shoes
• Increase the exercise levels gradually, not suddenly
• Wearing a brace to prevent heel movement
• Switching to different sports
• Reducing levels of physical activities

But certain times, the preventative measures and home treatments aren’t helpful for the condition or aren’t long-term solutions. In such cases, one can always turn to acupuncture for reprieve.

Acupuncture for Achilles Tendinitis

Acupuncture is a method of treatment wherein there is only mild invasion and the body is made to use its own mechanism for healing of the body. The acupuncture needles help reset the central nervous system in such a way that the body goes through a level of switching off and on making it start working more efficiently.

Acupuncture is, also, highly cost-effective and has a plethora of other benefits for different health conditions. The most prominent benefits of acupuncture for Achilles tendonitis include:

• Reduction in pain
• Increased range of motion
• Improved blood circulation
• Increase in body healing speed
• Strengthening of the Achilles tendon to reduce future pain
• Reduces inflammation
• Increases circulation to the tendon and the areas surrounding the tissue
• Helps repair the damaged tendons
• Relaxation of the Achilles tendon makes the tendon not exert itself much
• Resets the nervous system helping produce and accept nutrients more effectively
• Suitable for people of most health conditions and all ages

There are a plethora of benefits for acupuncture but it is still mildly invasive and people with blood conditions, and taking blood thinners should not opt for acupuncture. The first few times of acupuncture might lead to bruising, soreness as well. So, do check with your physician before opting for acupuncture.

If you can take up acupuncture for treatment and are having issues with Achilles tendonitis, book an appointment with your nearest licensed acupuncturist and get speeding through your recovery.

Happy healing!