The Greeks have some great legends that are essentially wonderful fairy tales that pertain to health. One of them has to do with Achilles tendon, and thus Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles tendon rupture.
The story of Achilles, the great Trojan War warrior starts when he was an infant. His mother wanted him to be a great warrior and knew the magical powers of the water in the Styx River. She held the baby boy by his heel and dipped him into the river, letting the water magically transform him into an invincible warrior.
Achilles grew up to be a great warrior but there was one part of him that was susceptible to his enemies. It was the back of his heel where the Achilles tendon was, as this was the part of him that wasn’t transformed by the river. Knowing that this was a weak area, Achilles could have done some simple strengthening exercises to overcome his weakness – or worn Orthotic Arch Supports to help the situation. But he didn’t.
According to legend, Achilles lived his life with this weakened part of his body – his Achilles tendon – his downfall. He was struck by an arrow and died of the wound.
What is The Achilles Tendon?
Out of all the tendons in the body, the Achilles Tendon is the largest of all. It’s also the strongest. Did you know that this tendon is so strong that it can withstand forces of one half ton or up to 10 times your body weight with each step?
The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the heel, and connects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the heel bone. Muscles often end in tendon like tissue that is then inserted into a bone. As the Achilles tendon passes down the leg, it rotates a little bit. Over-pronation exaggerates this and can weaken the tendon.
Because the tendon is quite thin, it is easily torn or even pulled out of the heel. The tendon helps you plantar flex your feet, which is important for walking. But because the area right above the heel has very little blood flow, it makes it quite challenging for healing.
Diagnosis and Causes Of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is diagnosed if there’s tenderness of the Achilles tendon at the heel or along the route of the tendon anywhere up to the calf muscle.
Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon. If the tendon is overstressed in this weakened and inflamed condition, it can rupture.
Researchers of one study of Achilles tendonitis discovered that 56% of the time, it was due to hyper-pronation. This tells you that arch problems may be one of the root causes. High arches in the feet can be related to abnormal pronation problems. It also tells you that faulty foot bio-mechanics can also be at fault at predisposing someone to developing Achilles tendonitis.
Pain in the Achilles tendon can also be due to weak calf muscles, overused calf muscles and degeneration of the tendon. The degeneration of the tendon without any stress may be a sign of a manganese deficiency.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
Orthotic arch supports the best ideas to start with for Achilles tendonitis treatment. Starting with addressing what is happening with your foot bio-mechanics is what many health practitioners consider first for Achilles tendonitis treatment.
Orthotic arch supports are designed to limit the abnormal pronation that is occurring. When the abnormal pronation is limited, the Achilles tendon is prevented from rotating excessively and can begin to heal. Orthotics sometimes may also have a heel lift or heel cup added to them which assists in proper alignment of the bones of the feet. Sometimes a heel lift can reduce the tension felt in those with Achilles tendonitis.
There are now orthotic arch supports to fit every possible type of foot and faulty bio-mechanics.
The Insole Store.com’s most popular orthotic arch supports are:
- CurrexSole FootDisc Insoles
- Spenco Orthotic Arch Supports
- SOLE Custom Footbeds
- Superfeet Premium Insoles
Superfeet Green Premium Insoles are a good choice for those with high arches (and medium arches as well) when someone has Achilles tendonitis. For a Flat Foot or low arch check out the Superfeet Black or visit our Superfeet Color Chart to find the best orthotic arch for your. This full length cushioned insole can be used in walking, running or hiking shoes or boots. It has two points that can assist in reducing the over-pronation of the foot, and stabilize the foot.
Superfeet green premium insoles have a deep heel cup design that gives your heel extra cushioning for the foot during the compression forces associated with walking or running. The heel cup also contributes to the bones in the feet aligning properly. Superfeet green premium insoles can substitute for the insoles in your shoes right now and can be trimmed for the best custom fit.
Strengthen and Stretch the Calf Muscles for Your Achilles Tendonitis Treatment, Too
Besides using orthotic arch supports and superfeet green premium insoles, it’s important to stretch and strengthen your calf muscles. This is easy to do and you don’t need any extra equipment to do it. Here’s a simple exercise to start stretching and strengthening the muscles:
1. Find a stairway in your home. You won’t need a lot of steps, only one to do these exercises.
2. Stand with your toes on the step.
3. Let your heels sink down towards the floor.
4. Feel your bodyweight on your heels, then bring your body weight back up to the level of the stairs.
If you have Achilles tendonitis, strengthen this area of your body so that it won’t be susceptible to any more injury! Be smarter than the Trojan Warrior Achilles!
For the Best Orthotic Arch Supports for Achilles Tendonitis, visit The Insole Store.com Today!
By Dr. Donna Schwontkowski (ret. D.C.)