Making sure your symptoms are indeed being caused by Achilles tendinitis is vital to treating your condition. However, the symptoms of this injury may be slightly different for each patient. 

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it’s most commonly injured during physical activity. It’s estimated that about 24% of athletes will develop Achilles tendinitis in their lifetime. A physical therapist can help you determine if your symptoms are being caused by Achilles tendinitis, and these specialists can also help you find effective treatment for this ankle condition. 

Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis

Musculoskeletal disorders are the main issues that physical therapists are trained to diagnose and treat. Achilles tendinitis falls into this category. This is why a physical therapist can help determine if you’re showing signs of Achilles tendinitis. Some of the signs that your therapist will look for include: 

• Pain in the back of the heel that worsens with activity.
• Pain or stiffness that’s worse in the morning. 
• Swelling at the back of the heel. 
• The back of the heel being hot or tender to the touch. 

How can your physical therapist treat Achilles tendinitis symptoms?

After confirming that you have Achilles tendinitis, your physical therapist can help treat your condition. The treatment plan that’s built for you can include many physical therapy techniques. Your plan may include techniques such as: 

• Therapeutic exercises intended to stretch the tight calf muscles that often occur with Achilles tendinitis.

• Aquatic therapy designed to reduce pressure on the injured tendon while you’re performing therapeutic exercises. 

• Dry needling sessions that can break up myofascial trigger points in calf and ankle soft tissue.

• Gait training that focuses on addressing underlying issues that are affecting the way your walk or run. 

Rehab Access Physical Therapy can help treat your Achilles tendinitis

Seeking top-notch treatment for your Achilles tendinitis symptoms? Our Rehab Access PT team is primed to help you find the effective care you’re looking for. We offer free screenings that can confirm that you have Achilles tendinitis. Additionally, our physical therapists are adept at constructing individualized therapy plans designed to: 

• Decrease pain.
• Improve your ability to move. 
• Reduce your risk of similar injuries in the future. 

You can also sign up for virtual therapy sessions with our team that you can do right in your own home. 

Contact our team today for more information about how we can address your Achilles tendinitis or to schedule an initial appointment.