Treatments Options and Medications for Achilles Tendinopathy - Achilles tendinopathy does not normally entail surgery except in extreme cases. NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or paracetamol provide relief from pain.
Treatments and Medications for Achilles Tendinopathy
New York (USA), June 17, 2013
Treatments Options for Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy does not normally entail surgery except in extreme cases. Simple treatments and medications include:
Ice Packs: This is the foremost treatment option. Wrap ice cubes in a towel or plastic bag to form an ice pack or use a bag of frozen peas. Gently apply pack to injured part for ten to thirty minutes. Cold restricts blood flow to damaged tendon. This reduces swelling and pain common in the initial stages of Achilles tendinopathy. Never apply ice pack while sleeping.
Rest: Stop high-impact exercises and other sports. Give complete rest to your foot for few days. Restart exercises gradually once pain subsides. However, refrain from prolonged rest as this could aggravate your condition.
Exercises: Take help of a physiotherapist to do exercises to relieve Achilles tendinopathy pain. Common exercises include:
1. Stand on bottom step of stairs legs slightly apart. Hold stair rail for support. Keep heels just off end of step. Keep knees straight and lower heels. Remain in position for a minute. Feel the stretch in your calves. Relax and repeat six times. Do it twice a day.
2. Place both hands on wall at shoulder height with feet slightly apart. Keep back knee straight and bend front knee. Lean in towards wall to stretch such that your calf muscle tightens. Remain in position for few seconds and then relax. Repeat ten times and then do similarly with other leg. Do this exercise twice in a day.
Surgery: If pain is persistent, surgery is the best option. Surgery removes tendon fibers that are stuck together within damaged tendon. Sometimes, doctor slits tendon lengthways to encourage and stimulate healing.
Normally symptoms subside within six months. If condition aggravates, you should consult a specialist orthopedic surgeon.
Medications for Achilles Tendinopathy
Painkillers: NSAIDs or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or paracetamol provide relief from pain. Do not use them for more than fourteen days. Excessive usage masks symptoms and delays healing. These drugs cause serious side effects like stomach bleeding and pain. If you suffer from high blood pressure, asthma, heart, or kidney failure, check with your health provider before taking such medications.
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