Pain in the Achilles

Pain in the Achilles region is an extremely frequent presenting symptom, especially among distance runners.

Acute tendon rupture causes sudden and severe pain and inability to weight bear. Overuse Achilles tendon injuries (tendinopathy) may arise after a particularly arduous training or competition.

The athlete with overuse tendinopathy or retrocalcaneal bursitis notices a gradual onset of symptoms and typically complains of pain and stiffness immediately on rising in the morning. This pain diminishes with walking about or applying heat. Similarly, the athletes pain diminishes during training, only to recur several hours afterward.

With a partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon the onset of pain is more sudden (funny that!), and this condition is usually more disabling in the short term.

As the histological abnormality in a partial tear and in overuse tendinopathy are identical we do not emphasize the distinction other than to suggest that recovery time may be longer in cases of a tear. In cases of a complete rupture the pain is sudden and severe and can make a “shot” like sound, and instant disability.

Possible predisposing factors to an Achilles injury include: unilateral calf tightness, joint stiffness at the ankle or subtalar joints and abnormal lower limb biomechanics.

Of course regular massage and stretching can assist with keeping the calves supple and free of tension which can reduce the chances of injury. Heel raises in shoes may be used in cases of tendinopathy to help de-load the tendon. Further rehabilitation includes eccentric heel drop into pain but preceded with a warm up to prevent further damage. Of course correction of other preceding factors such as poor biomechanics is needed to ensure the injury doesn’t reoccur.

Reference: Clinical Sports Medicine Bruckner & Kahn 2nd Ed

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Shoe Clinic moves into Ponsonby

Finally a sports shoe and apparel store in Ponsonby!! The amount of runners and walkers I see on my way to work is impressive around Ponsonby, so it’s about time we had a store conveniently located for the locals (and those passing through!!)

The foot has 26 bones, 33 joints, 23 muscles and over 150 ligaments! So it makes sense to look after this finely tuned part of your body.

So how does Shoe Clinic help?

Footscan analysis: a digital print of your foot as it lands.

Foot measurement: length and width.

Shoe recommendations: with over 100 different models there is a pair right for you.

Silicon Coach Video Treadmill Analysis: to confirm the prescribed shoes are working correctly, your Shoe Clinic technician will video your running or walking gait.

Don’t forget the 30 day money back guarantee on prescribed shoes, you can’t beat it!!

Pick up a Shoe Clinic brochure from our reception desk and you’ll get a $10 off voucher off any pair of shoes when you go in to see Greg and his team at Ponsonby Shoe Clinic.
Or go to www.shoeclinic.co.nz

Mother’s Day Deal

Buy a massage concession and receive a free Facial Radiance voucher to give to Mum! (or yourself)

Lynda will spoil your Mum with a 30 min session of pure relaxation while smoothing away fine lines with her beautiful light acupressure facial massage. No products are used so it’s perfect for everyone!

Valid up until Mother’s Day 10th May 2009

Reminder About Our New Addition To Balance

Mikki Williden: Nutritionist

Mikki has a passion for food and loves helping people make food choices that are not only practical and tasty, but also meet their nutritional goals. She has a Masters Degree in Human Nutrition and a Physical Education Degree from Otago, and she is also a lecturer in Nutrition at AUT.

Services:

Sports and Performance Nutrition

Weight Management

Nutrition considerations for injury rehabilitation

Eating for health and increased energy levels

Sports and nutrition seminars for sports groups and corporate teams

Nutrition seminars for corporate groups.

Mikki is available at Balance on Mondays from 3pm and Thursdays before 11am. To book; call her direct 021 2233239 or go to www.eatenjoy.co.nz