Inflammation and pain at the Achilles tendon, at the back of the ankle. The Achilles tendon is the tendon attachment of the calf muscles from the leg and knee to the heel. This structure is important in standing on your toes and pushing off in walking, running and jumping. This condition is usually brought on due to a sudden increase in amount of an activity or intensity of an activity, or due to overuse of the lower leg muscles and Achilles tendon. It can also occur as a secondary injury due to a direct blow or injury to the lower leg. It leads to pain, tenderness, swelling, warmth and/or redness over the Achilles tendon. Pain increases with ankle motions, especially the pushing-off motion, or pushing down with the front of the foot or standing on the ball of the foot or toes. Sometimes crepitation, a cracking sound, when the tendon is moved can be felt or heard.
The Physical Therapists at Apple Physical Therapy will design a personalized treatment plan specific to you and your injury that will include range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises to improve mobility and strength in your Achilles tendon, ankle and leg to allow you to return to normal daily activity. We will include balance training exercises to improve ankle stability and leg strength. We will include manual therapy techniques such as massage to the Achilles tendon and stretching of the surrounding muscles to restore normal motion of the leg and to facilitate healing. If indicated we will include the use of the Graston Technique, instrument assisted massage to help break down scar tissue and muscular restrictions. If necessary, your PT may elect to use modalities such as ice, heat, and/or ultrasound to decrease swelling, pain and ready the body for exercise.
With convenient locations in both Cherry Hill NJ and Marlton NJ, Apple Physical Therapy proudly serves such areas as Cherry Hill, Marlton, Medford, Voorhees, Mount Laurel, Maple Shade, Berlin, Moorestown and all of South Jersey’s Camden and Burlington counties. If you are looking for a Physical Therapist in the Cherry Hill area, we welcome you to our practice. Meet our team and schedule your appointment with us today!