“Mastering Pain Management for Achilles Tendinopathy”
Pain doesn’t mean “stop everything”! Learn how to manage Achilles tendon pain effectively while keeping your patients active.
Key Takeaways:
Load Modification is Key:
- Avoid high-load, repetitive activities like running or jumping during acute pain.
- Use relative rest, not complete immobilization.
Pain Management Strategies:
- Isometrics: Reduce pain while maintaining strength (e.g., isometric heel raises, 45-second holds).
- Cryotherapy and NSAIDs: Effective in the early stages, but avoid long-term dependency.
- Encourage continued movement to maintain mobility.
Achilles tendon rehabilitation is to train in the presence of an injury
Different isometric loading modalities to load Achilles tendon to improve tendon stiffness
ACTIONABLE TIP for Clinicians:
Teach patients the “traffic light” rule:
Red: Pain > 5/10 – reduce intensity or modify activity.
Yellow: Pain 4-5/10 – proceed with caution
Green: Pain ≤ 3/10 – safe to progress.
Conclusion:
Optimal loading of the Achilles tendon with in a pain monitoring modal will have physiological as well as physiological benefits
