“Pain Restricting Your Life? Sore Heel or Ankle? Limping?”

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Dr Parmar in the Medical News, 3AW Interview, The Age Feature, LLLT on TV

Achilles Tendonitis Treatment using Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

 

Laser Pain Therapy

GP, Dr Shikha Parmar,
has a special interest in providing a drug-free safe, effective treatment solution in Melbourne for acute injuries and chronic pain using low level laser light therapy (laser therapeutics).

Causes

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body and is the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury. A tendon injury may seem to happen suddenly, but usually it is the result of many micro-tears to the tendon that have happened over time.

It is common in those who make the same motions over and over in their jobs, sports (e.g joggers and jumpers), or daily activities.

Common causes include: over-training, unaccustomed use – “too much too soon”, sudden change in training surface e.g. grass to bitumen, toe walking (or constantly wearing high heels), poorly supportive footwear, hill running.

Symptoms

Achilles tendonitis may be felt as a tightness and/or burning pain at the beginning of activity, which gets less during activity and then worsens following activity. The tendon may feel stiff first thing in the morning after sleeping, after sitting for long periods or at the beginning of exercise. It may feel weak.

Many patients will notice a bump either in the tendon or right behind the heel bone. Some may also get irritation from shoes rubbing against the bump and feel better when wearing backless shoes or a shoe with a slight heel versus shoes that are flat.

Diagnosis

A diagnosis is usually able to be made based on the history and a physical examination

Achilles tendons will often have a painful and prominent lump within the tendon. There is enlargement, tenderness to touch and warmth of the tendon 1 to 4 inches above its heel insertion.

An ultrasound may also be performed to further evaluate how much of the tendon is affected and to look for any tears.

Treatment

LLLT HELPS WHERE ORTHOTICS, TAPING, ICING, ROLLING OVER A BALL, STRETCHING, MASSAGE, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY MEDICINES INCLUDING INJECTIONS AND SHOCKWAVE THERAPY MAY NOT

Traditionally, treatments for Achilles Tendonitis consist of temporary pain relief using anti-inflammatory medication, rest, and icing the area. While ice numbs the pain it also prevents healthy blood flow which is essential to providing oxygen and nutrients to the area to heal it, and remove waste products and CO2. Ice should therefore not be applied to injuries after the acute phase (the first day). Read more here.

A number of other treatments are described in the literature e.g. massage, stretching, and none of these definitely heal the tissues.

It is not possible to heal damaged soft tissues through strengthening exercises. The injured tendon needs to heal before it and its supporting structures can be strengthened.

Anti-inflammatory medications do not heal tissues and simply act by masking pain. Use even beyond a week is associated with a number of and side-effects and evidence indicates these medications in fact can delay tissue healing.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is an effective, painless, non-invasive treatment option for Achilles tendonitis. This treatment is backed by over 40 years of scientific research and clinical evidence. LLLT removes the obstacles to healing, being inflammation, and stimulates the body’s own healing processes thereby promoting tissue healing. Read in detail here how LLLT can resolve Achilles Tendonitis, effectively and affordably.

To see how Low Level Laser Therapy can help your condition contact us for more information or to make an appointment.