Joint Ventures' Blog

Are you starting your day off on a painful foot? 

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Ergonomic Desk Setup and Helpful Hints

 

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Achilles Tendon Dysfunction  
Achilles tendon dysfunction is characterized as pain located along the heel cord (Achilles tendon) or pain located at on the heel (calcaneus) of the foot. Pain is typically worse in the morning and is usually accompanied by stiffness of the heel cord (achilles tendon). The achilles tendon is one of the largest and strongest tendons in the body.  It consists of the gastrocnemius, plantaris, and soleus muscle which come together and attach at the heel of the foot (calcaneus).  The primary function of the achilles tendon is to transfer strength and power into the calf to assist the lower leg in activities such as walking and running.

Causes
Achilles Tendon Dysfunction is caused by soft tissue irritation of the achilles tendon. This can happen for a number of reasons including repetitive movements, a recent increase in activity level, postural problems such as over pronation of the foot, running, and a tight gastrocnemius.  Certain motions of the foot done repetitively during sporting activities can also contribute to an irritation of the achilles tendon. Sporting activities with short, sharp, quick, bursts of movements in a variety of directions such as basketball, tennis, soccer and volleyball may increase your risk of developing achilles tendon dysfunction.  Other risks for developing achilles tendon dysfunction include a recent increase in activity level, running, change of shoes with less support, exercise routine that includes running hills and/or stairs and squatting.

 Physical Therapy
A physical therapist can diagnose and treat achilles tendon dysfunction. He/She will evaluate the biomechanics of the lower leg/foot, range of motion, strength of surrounding muscles and any postural problems. Treatments may include manual therapy to promote an increase in painfree range of motion, stretching to lengthen any tight musculature of the lower leg, modalities to promote healing and possible footwear change to correct for postural problems.  A physical therapist will put you through a stretching and strengthening exercise program to eliminate the pain felt by the achilles tendon dysfunction and return you to your normal everyday lifestyle without pain as quickly as possible.  Your Joint Ventures physical therapist can perform all of these treatments to assist in the recovery of achilles tendon dysfunction.

SNAPPING SCAPULA 

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There are 3 main stages of healing that occur after an acute sprain/strain injury:
 
The first stage is the inflammatory phase, where the body sends inflammatory cells to the injured site to help clot the wound and remove debris.  This phase usually lasts the first 4 days after injury.  The best treatment during this phase of injury is RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.  Physical therapy can assist at this phase to help reduce the swelling and provide gentle range of motion exercises.
 
The second stage is the scar formation phase, where the body lays down collagen tissue to repair the injured site and form a scar.  This phase usually lasts from Day 4 to Day 15 after injury.  Physical therapy is most effective at this stage to help promote regular tissue growth and minimize scar tissue development.  Treatment might consist of modalities, manual therapy, deep tendon frictions, stage to promote proper strengthening without re-injury to the healing tissues. massage, stretches, and gentle strengthening exercises.  At this stage the repairing collagen tissue is still weak and can be susceptible to re-injury if over-stressed.  Physical therapy can help guide exercises at this
 
The last stage of healing is the remodelling phase, where the body remodels and increases the tensile strength of the newly repaired tissue.  This phase lasts from approximately Day 15 and continues for up to 1-2 years after injury.  During this phase, physical therapy aims to minimize scar tissue build-up, encourage optimal orientation and alignment of the newly formed tissue, correct muscle imbalances, retain and maintain mobility of the joint, increase the stability of the joint, strengthen the repaired tissue with more difficult and challenging exercises, and prepare for return to sports or leisure activities.
 
If you have suffered an acute sprain/strain please consult your doctor or physical therapist to determine the appropriate treatment plan for you.  

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