Don't Let Your Achilles Take You Down
By Genevieve Smith
Achilles issues are a pain in the Achilles, know what I mean? So is my sense of humor, but I digress. People participating in heavy running are at risk for injuring the area surrounding the Achilles tendon, and if left unchecked, this can lead to a tear. Chiropractic is a sound solution to rehabilitation, and chiropractors recommend tuning in to your ankles the moment pain crops up. One can catch an injury before it worsens and rehabilitate it to health. Chiropractic can help through manual manipulation, as well as monitored exercises. Let’s look at advice on how to heal faster.
What Chiropractic Can Do
Injuries in the Achilles region are brought on by overuse or misuse, and pain only arrives after the damage has begun. Painkillers can lead to exacerbation of a tendon which simply needs to rest. Pushing an injured heel can lead to an acute tear of the Achilles tendon, which leaves you with a bigger problem to tackle. Steroid injections are typically not used for trauma in this region, and thus chiropractic is well suited to healing Achilles injuries. A major factor in repairing your heel is increasing bloodflow, which is where the chiropractor comes in. Manual adjustments bring blood to the area, aiding in fiber repair and collagen production. There are specialised stretches and localized exercises you can discuss with the chiropractor to learn what more you can do for the rehabilitation process.
Chiropractor’s Tips
Explored in depth by an article from the American Chiropractor’s Association Rehab Council, there are things one can do to best support their Achilles rehabilitation. Rest. Exercise the opposite ankle; there’s such a thing as the “cross over effect” and it helps prevent atrophy in the injured ankle. When your injured tendon can return to use, pay attention to range of motion and strengthening. Ask your chiropractor about isolated exercises of heel raises. They can be good for strengthening and to stimulate further collagen fiber production. Gentle, well-executed stretches can also stimulate tissue repair. Ask your chiropractor for thoughts on orthotics to learn more. Regardless, invest in well-crafted shoes with solid heel stability which offer a bit of heel lift to reduce the risk of future injuries.
If you’re exercise-oriented, it’s easy to tune out pain and keep pushing. Don't be a hero and allow an Achilles injury to worsen. It will only cost more in the long run. Catch injury at the first sign of pain and allow chiropractic to aid in the rehabilitation process by increasing blood flow and stimulating collagen building. Reach out to one of the knowledgeable chiropractors at The Joint to learn more. With walk-in availability, you’re welcome to stop by anytime and start the process of healing that heel.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Decatur, Ga.