Achilles Tendon Problems

Other treatments are often used for Achilles tendinopathy and rupture. Before using other treatments, you most likely will try rest and medicine to reduce pain and swelling.

Achilles tendinopathy

Common physical therapy treatments for Achilles tendinopathy include:

• Stretching and flexibility exercises to help your tendon heal without shortening and becoming chronically painful.
• Ultrasound heat therapy to improve blood circulation, which may aid the healing process.
• Massage, to help increase flexibility and blood circulation in the lower leg and to help prevent further injury.
• Wearing a night brace to keep your leg flexed and prevent your Achilles tendon from tightening while you sleep. An Achilles tendon that often tightens at night is not able to heal properly.

If other treatment does not reduce your Achilles tendinopathy pain, your doctor may recommend using a cast, brace, walking boot, splint, or other device for 4 to 6 weeks to prevent your lower leg and foot from moving and to allow the tendon to heal. This is then followed by physical therapy and modification of activities.

Achilles tendon rupture

A cast or similar device can be used to immobilize a ruptured Achilles tendon, giving it time to heal on its own. A cast or similar device prevents the lower leg and ankle from moving. Treatment with this type of device may take as long as 6 months to completely heal a tendon. This is usually followed by a rehabilitation (rehab) program that helps you regain strength and flexibility in the tendon and leg. The rehab program may include physical therapy as noted above.