The Achilles Tendon, which Is also named the Calcaneal Tendon is a
very durable, strong band of tissue. It connects the calf muscles to
the heel bone, and it is the strongest tendon in the human body, capable                                             of holding up to 3 times its body weight! The tendon can become inflamed                                           due to overuse or injury. Inflammation is the body’s natural response to                                          injury and often causes pain, swelling and irritation.

 

Achilles Insertional Calcific Tendinosis is a condition that can develop                                          usually by overuse of the tendon. Repetitive mechanical stress
can lead to microtears in the Achilles tendon, as well as collagen
degeneration. Over time the tendon can become damaged and the
fibres of the tendon can harden, which can often lead to bone spurs.
The condition can be caused due to a few different factors including: a
sudden increase in the intensity or type of exercise. This could simply be
from increasing running distance, or changing from a low impact sport to a
high impact sport.

 

Furthermore, this condition can also be exacerbated by having tight posterior
leg muscles (calf muscles). This stems from the Achilles being constantly.                                     under more pressure and therefore putting strain on it and the surrounding                         structures and tissues.

 

Common symptoms of the condition are having stiffness and pain along
the Achilles tendon, that is made worse during weight-bearing and strenuous
activity. This pain often continues into the next day and is usually quite
severe. Oedema (swelling) can sometimes be visible around the
Achilles, calf, and into the back of the heel. Thickening of the tendon is
also another common symptom, as well as having bone spurs from the
calcaneus which can irritate the Achilles.

 

Here at the Sussex Foot Centre we can diagnose the condition quickly and                              clinically using our Ultrasound. This allows us to look at the tendon as well as the
tissues and bones which surround it. We are able to see in real time if there is any
calcific bone spurs, and if the tendon is enlarged or damaged in any way.

 

We always recommend that patients who have AICT should wear
Orthoses or Insoles to ensure their foot is being held in an optimum position. As
well as taking the strain off the Achilles tendon, supporting the
surrounding structures and taking the load off. This helps to aid healing
and a reduction in pain and inflammation.

 

Additionally, another treatment option is a Corticosteroid Injection. This
treatment is when corticosteroid (steroid) is injected into the tissue
around the Achilles. This helps to reduce inflammation and pain in the
area, it is carried out under ultrasound guidance. If you have tried other
methods and are still experiencing pain and discomfort, then a
corticosteroid injection may be a good option for you.

 

If you would like to hear more about how we can treat Achilles
Insertional Calcific Tendinosis and other lower limb related conditions,
then please do not hesitate to contact The Sussex Foot Centre! We
would love to meet you!

 

 

 

Plantar Fasciitis: What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis: What is it?

Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition treated at The Sussex Foot Centre. ThePlantar Fascia is a large band of tissue which is situated along the bottom ofthe foot. Medical research states that Plantar Fasciitis affects up to 10% of thepopulation. It is therefore...

Calling All Runners

Calling All Runners

Calling all runners, we want to hear from you! If you are experiencing any aches and pains during or after your run, we would love to talk to you and discuss exactly how we can help. For a limited period of time, we will be...

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34 Sussex Road, Haywards Heath, Sussex RH16 4EA

We are trusted by our clients

Amy's been extremely helpful, informative and lovely to talk to during my foot appointment the last few visits. 100% recommend their services.
Darryl Rebbetts
Darryl Rebbetts
26/10/2022
Have had scan and chiropodist treatments and both were carried out with care and I was informed what would be done. I would highly recommend the Sussex foot centre for treatments.
Sheila Stobbs
Sheila Stobbs
15/10/2022
I was misdiagnosed by my GP after injuring myself long distance walking. Now I not only know what's wrong with me, but also how to remedy it so I can walk again. Great attention to detail. Thank you 😊
Liz Platt
Liz Platt
09/10/2022
Fantastic experience with the whole practice, there’s no where I’d trust more. Originally I went to have one issue sorted out, and have found another to be dealt with alongside. A practice where you feel listened to and taken seriously. Thanks again!
Nikki Martin
Nikki Martin
07/10/2022
Had an appointment with Jon Collins about a sore heel. Had a scan on both heels, which was followed by a detailed analysis of the results and an explanation (in layman's terms) what the issue was. Very impressed with his knowledge, how it was imparted and happy with our agreed action plan.
Jonathan Whitnall
Jonathan Whitnall
25/09/2022
Over the last 4 years or so, I have visited a number of professionals including physiotherapists, chiropractors and osteopaths. I was experiencing recurring injuries in my left knee and hip from sports and from attempting to walk mid-distances. The pain was starting to flare in my back too. I was following the physiotherapists’ advice religiously and attending appointments regularly. However, the programme of exercises tended to make the pain worse rather than better. To add to my frustration, I was also misdiagnosed with a hip condition. In the back of my mind, I always felt there was something biomechanically incorrect in the way I move but I was reassured that was not the case until…..I booked an appointment with Jon at Sussex Foot Centre for a gait assessment. Jon quickly recognised the issue with my feet and their incorrect positioning. I was prescribed custom orthotics and after a few months of perfecting these, Jon then created my semi-permanent pair of orthotics. I have been walking further than I have done and am now back on the courts playing tennis, which I love, and never thought I would be able to do again. The whole team at Sussex Foot Centre are very helpful and efficient. My treatment is ongoing so as long as Jon is a podiatrist, I am his patient :) Thank you for everything!
Katherine Morley
Katherine Morley
22/09/2022
I had nail surgery last October and after all this time I can say it was worth it. Jon didn’t rush me into it and gave me all options available, in the end I decided to go for the surgery and Jon made it so easy and everything was explained to me before, during and afterwards. Any questions I had were always answered by Jon or one of his team and put my mind at rest (I’m a bit of a worrier). Can’t thank them enough for helping with something that I had tried to ignore for years.
Gavin Robertson
Gavin Robertson
01/09/2022
I highly recommend Sussex foot centre. I booked an appointment for the shoe insoles and Jon was very helpful and professional. He provided a great solution for me and I feel much better since I wear my new insoles. The entire team is also very nice and helpful with booking the appointments around my work schedule.
Michał Piotrowski
Michał Piotrowski
22/07/2022
After the NHS screwed up my ingrown toenail operation twice this year I decided to go private and it was the best decision. I was seen really quickly and toes healed within a couple of weeks, highly recommend sussex foot centre.
Lauryn Spink
Lauryn Spink
22/07/2022