Stretch the Achilles tendon
introduction
The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body. However, it is a structure that can often cause pain and then requires medical attention. Stretching can help alleviate symptoms, depending on the cause of the discomfort.
Foreshorteningsthat are in the Achilles tendon and the neighboring Musculature occur are a common problem for many people, but most of all they occur Long-distance runners and other competitive athletes on. But other diseases or rehabilitation after an operation can also speak in favor of stretching the Achilles tendon more frequently.
To this one to prevent pathological changes as well as the Accelerate healing after surgery and support are stretching exercises that are easy to perform. In the case of serious illnesses and the follow-up treatment of an operation, however, the exercises must always be carried out in consultation with the treating doctor and Physiotherapists must be carried out so that damage can be avoided.
Appointment with an expert in Achilles tendonitis?
I would be happy to advise you!
Who am I?
My name is dr. Nicolas Gumpert. I am a specialist in orthopedics and the founder of .
Various television programs and print media report regularly about my work. On HR television you can see me every 6 weeks live on "Hallo Hessen".
But now enough is indicated ;-)
Athletes (joggers, soccer players, etc.) are particularly often affected by the Achilles tendonitis disease. In many cases, the cause of the Achilles tendonitis cannot be identified at first.Therefore, the treatment requires a lot of experience. I focus on Achilles tendonitis.
The aim of every treatment is treatment without surgery with a complete recovery of performance.
Which therapy achieves the best results in the long term can only be determined after looking at all of the information (Examination, X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, etc.) be assessed.
You can find me in:
- Lumedis - your orthopedic surgeon
Kaiserstrasse 14
60311 Frankfurt am Main
Directly to the online appointment arrangement
Unfortunately, it is currently only possible to make an appointment with private health insurers. I hope for your understanding!
Further information about myself can be found at Dr. Nicolas Gumpert
execution
There are different methods that Achilles tendon to stretch. A well-known method is the simple one Lunge is where a foot take a long step forward while keeping your back foot completely on the ground. This stretches the Achilles tendon of the back foot. A slight bobbing while performing the Stretching exercise additionally improve.
Another method can be with With the help of a staircase be performed. So the person concerned can with both Feet Stand halfway on a step and alternately move your heels up and down. In between should be about 20-30 seconds in one position be paused. In order not to lose stability, it is advisable to hold on to the railing or the wall.
The timing of the stretching exercises depends on the symptoms and the reasons for doing the exercises. There Stretching exercises do not solve all forms of ailments the Achilles tendon, it is advisable to to see a doctorwho can determine these reasons and possibly give tips for further measures. For complaints that relate to a shortening of the Achilles tendon back, stretching exercises lasting 30 seconds should be performed several times a day.
Also after an operation It can be helpful to do the stretching exercises Achilles tendon perform. However, this is only recommended after about 10-12 weeks after an operation so that the tendon is not harmed by the exercises. In any case, a consultation with the attending physician must be observed.
Even with one chronic irritation of the Achilles tendonAs is often the case with athletes, stretching exercises can help alleviate the discomfort.
Symptoms
It can different symptoms occur that stretch the Achilles tendon can make necessary. Especially Long distance runner are from Irritation and shortening of the Achilles tendon affected by regular implementation of the stretching can be reduced and prevented. However, it should be noted that stretching exercises may not be the only measure. Especially one Change of training is necessary in these cases to achieve a significant improvement.
Pain, which always occurs when running when the Achilles tendon is stretched, suggests the presence of one Irritation of the Achilles tendon or one Shortening of the muscles and the tendon most affected leg. The Pain can rather dull and diffuse be perceived. The Achilles tendon cannot always be clearly interpreted as the cause. Also a noticeable one Hardening of the muscles the calf speak for such a problem.
Another common symptom is a severe pain, which when mechanical pressure is applied to the tendon arises. Touching the tendon with the hand perceived as painful. If the disease is more advanced, scarring can lead to limited motor mobility Ankle come.
causes
The most common cause leading to discomfort in the Achilles tendon leads which that stretch of the tendon requires is one Achilles tendon irritation as well as the Shortening of the tendon and the Calf muscles. Especially at Competitive athletes and long-distance runners there is an increased suspicion of this problem with corresponding symptoms. In general, the clinical picture can exist in an acute and a chronic state. In both cases, stretching the tendon can prove useful.
Also one surgery can be an indication to perform stretching exercises on the Achilles tendon. The implementation of these exercises serves the Maintaining the mobility of the tendon after the operation. However, it is important in these cases not too early to start stretching so as not to limit healing of the tendon or cause a Tendon tear to provoke.
When to stretch
The stretch of the Achilles tendon is not only useful for acute complaints. So, stretching the tendon can look like Prophylaxis before the appearance of irritation and foreshortening the structure make sense. Especially with people who intense exercise that puts a massive strain on the Achilles tendon, stretching exercises can effectively prevent irritation.
Stretching the tendon also works well after an operation, to the Maintain mobility of the structures. However, stretching the Achilles tendon after an operation is not recommended before one 10-12 weeks of tendon protectionthat the Healing process should serve.
When not to stretch
It does not always make sense if there are problems with the tendon tendon to stretch. In some cases it can stretch the tendon can even seriously impair the healing process. As a general rule, stretching exercises shouldn't be done, though Pain while stretching occur. Here it certainly makes sense to have one To see a doctorwho can determine the reason for the pain and discuss individual therapy options.
Even after an operation on the tendon, no stretching should initially take place. After a Torn Achilles tendon this must be surgically treated and sutured. Only when the tendon has had enough time to adequately heal can Stretching exercises for remobilization be useful. When exactly you should start stretching can be clarified individually with the attending physician. Mostly this is after about 10-12 weeks after the operation to recommend.
