Women's love of their high heel shoes is causing an epidemic of Achilles tendinitis. When high heel shoes are worn the ankle joint is in a plantar or downward position for several hours. This plantarflexed ankle position will over a long period of time can cause the Achilles tendon and Gastroc Soleus muscle to shorten. When the high heel shoe is removed and the woman then walks barefoot or with a gym shoe, the Achilles tendon can become injured from an abnormal pull due to the shortening. The pin point pain usually occurs where the Achilles tendon insertions into the heel bone (calcaneous). Many medical practitioners have seen this Achilles tendinitis in their offices, patients who wear high heel shoes and then put on gym shoes or go barefoot.
Achilles tendinitis can be difficult to treat. Some common treatment options are stretching, NSAIDs, proper shoe gear and physical therapy. The medical practitioner should also consider wearing an in shoe heel lift to treat the shortened Gastroc Soleus and Achilles tendon. This simple medical device is a must for proper rehabilitation of Achilles tendinitis. During rehab, the patient should be wearing lower heels or better, a causal shoe. But the short Achilles would still be pulling abnormally. Inserting a heel lift into the shoe allows the tight Achilles slack, allowing for faster healing times. The most popular lift height for treating Achilles tendinitis is the 1/4 inch (6 mm) heel lift.
Heel lifts for Achilles tendinitis due to high shoes is a must for faster heal times and pain relief.
Atlas Biomechanics is a woman owned sports medical manufacturer of Heel Lifts, Foot Pads and Heat Moldable Orthotics.
Teri Green
