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 is a common condition treated at The Sussex Foot Centre. The
Plantar Fascia is a large band of tissue which is situated along the bottom of
the foot. Medical research states that Plantar Fasciitis affects up to 10% of the
population. It is therefore something that we see a lot of, here at the clinic!

There are many treatment options which can be implemented to help treat
this and to relieve your symptoms. The pain in your foot may have become worse
due to increased or changed activity levels during lockdown, or indeed through a change of
footwear.

Individuals who are active and, specifically, those individuals who partake in
running are mostly affected by the condition, as this high impact sport can put
pressure on the fascia and create inflammation and pain. The
condition can, therefore, affect a person’s quality of life and stop them from doing certain
hobbies or activities.

There are many different types of treatment options we can use, depending on
the severity and the personal choice of the patient. Orthotics, muscle
Stretching Regimes, Corticosteroid Injection and Shockwave Therapy are all
ways of treating the condition here at the Sussex Foot Centre:

Bespoke Orthotics:

Orthotics can be prescribed. The word ‘ortho’ comes from Latin meaning
‘straight’. These inserts are bespoke and fitted to your specific foot type, shape
and individual requirements. They correct your foot position, allowing your
foot and ankle to function at their optimum.
Clinically we have found that a high number of patients suffer with this
condition due to their feet being overpronated, which is the podiatric term for
having flattened arches. This can put extra stress and pull on the plantar fascia,
which in turn creates pain. Additionally, patients who have feet with
particularly high arches can also be affected due to being more unstable when
walking. These devices are very discrete and can be changed between shoes!
Shockwave Therapy:

Shockwave Therapy: 

A treatment for Plantar Fasciitis which is offered at the clinic is Shockwave
Therapy. This is a treatment option where high energy sound waves are passed
through the bottom of the foot to help blood flow and help with cell
regeneration. This helps to repair the micro tears in the tissues which can
occur with overuse and injury. Shockwave can be used alone or in conjunction
with orthotics to help reduce symptoms and pain levels of Plantar Fasciitis.

Steroid injection:

This treatment is when corticosteroid (steroid) is injected directly into the
Plantar Fascia. 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.

Here at Sussex Foot Centre, our specialist chiropodists and podiatrists offer the very best in podiatric care for our patients across Sussex, Surrey, Kent & Hampshire. From our revolutionary laser treatment for fungal nail, to treating plantar fasciitis we offer a range of assessments, diagnostics, and treatments . To book an appointment, contact a member of our team today.

The moment the ultrasound probe comes into contact with the skin, the picture of exactly what is going on inside the foot is immediately seen.

Here is an example where ultrasound works best. Our patient presents to clinic following a tumble whilst playing tennis. He has suffered an inversion sprain, which means he has rolled his ankle outwards. Excessive pressure is placed on the 5th metatarsal and the tendon which inserts onto the base of the 5th metatarsal has come away, this is also known as an avulsion fracture. To the trained eye, this can be seen as clear as day.

Now this patient presented within a week after suffering his injury, however, the exact problem which he came to us with can be identified weeks, if not months after initial injury. Ultrasound can therefore help to identify issues at all stages of the treatment episode. This helps us to ensure that we are constantly on track with our treatment strategy.

Ultrasound is also hugely useful tool when used to compare and contrast from one side of the foot to the other. As with all that we do, treatment carried out at the Sussex Foot Centre is in line with NHS guidelines of fracture management. With our Diagnostic Ultrasound, we can ensure that you can cut down on those long waits at A&E. Working together, we can devise an informed, accurate, and up to date treatment strategy that works for you.

What is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy, or, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT), is a highly effective treatment for pain, chronic soft tissue injuries, as well as certain types of bone conditions.

An extracorporeal shockwave is a non-invasive, non-electrical high energy sound wave that passes through the body via a hand-held probe. The shockwaves produce a rapid increase in blood flow to the localised target area. This works to break-down the fibrous scar tissue which builds up over time and is particularly prevalent with chronic conditions.

This break-down of scar tissue is the key to why shock wave therapy is so effective. Unlike normal tissue, scar tissue is non-elastic and will inhibit and prevent normal movement and function, and will ultimately weaken the healthy tissue surrounding it, often leading to further damage and pain.

By increasing circulation and breaking down scar tissue, shockwave therapy will stimulate cell regeneration and promote normal healing and rapid reduction of pain. The normal function can then be restored.

How successful is Shockwave Therapy?

After only 3 or 4 treatments with shockwave therapy, over 80% of patients report a reduction of pain and a regaining of normal function.

Research is steadily growing for this cutting-edge technology, and the latest reports are confirming shockwave therapy is an effective treatment for numerous soft tissue injuries, pain and certain bone related conditions like heel spurs.

If you would like to make an appointment or speak to one of our experienced practitioners, please call 01444453874

What does Shockwave Therapy treat?

Plantar Fasciitis 

Probably the most common condition that is known to respond very well to Shockwave Therapy is Plantar Fasciitis, often known as Policeman’s foot.

The pain is usually felt on the medial tubercle (the calcaneus) of the heel and is felt along the Soft Tissues of the foot to the base of the toes. This is the inside of the calcaneal, the bone that has the heel strike with the ground. Given the foot’s biomechanical structure, a heal strike as you walk is the most common footfall pattern, but this alone is not necessarily the cause of any problems. Factors through the hip and joints above the ankle can also contribute to this condition.

Plantar Fasciitis is the condition where we often see patients with high BMI, diabetes and other pathologies that affect the foot. The foot might be the last thing in their consideration, but a nasty plantar fasciitis can cause significant discomfort and pain for patients. Given the impact on their mobility. It can also lead to the deterioration of overall health and wellbeing.

With this condition the symptoms are often morning pain or pain after resting. Typically, there is some improvement with movement as the area ‘warms up’ however with more severe conditions the patient simply can’t walk with the ease and mobility which they would want.

Because so many people are treated for this condition each year, many patients we see have already had injections, physiotherapy, acupuncture and heel supports. Lifting the heal and arches by way of customised orthotic devises can be of great help to correct the biomechanical issue, however, patients are sometimes still left with an unremitting pain.

The largest double-blind study into the effectiveness of Shockwave Therapy was conducted by Gerdesmeyer in 2008. It conclusively proved that Shockwave Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for recalcitrant (recalcitrant means not responding or simply being stubborn to heal) plantar fasciitis and we subsequently have had NICE guidelines from 2009. The complex biomechanical nature of the foot can make it a difficult area to treat but the results are among the most successful of any Shockwave treatment.

Other Conditions where Shockwave Therapy is Effective

Shockwave therapy is an effective on a significant range of soft tissue and skeletal ailments. Here are some examples of conditions where shockwave therapy has effectively treated and restored normal function:

• Patellar tendonitis (jumper‘s knee)
• Tibial stress syndrome (shin pain)
• Achilles tendonitis
• Hip pain
• Heel pain, heel spurs
• Chronic neck dysfunction

What can I expect during my consultation?

At your first visit, you will meet one of our experienced Specialist Podiatrists, who will discuss your symptoms and condition, followed by a comprehensive and non-invasive ultrasound scan before treatment of the area of pain or injury.

Shockwave therapy will be fully explained, and treatment will commence. Shockwave treatment typically lasts for 10-15 minutes.

There are no known side effects of Shockwave Therapy and most patients experience a significant reduction in their pain. Occasionally, a mild diffuse pain can be experienced within a few hours of treatment and may last 24 hours.

Underlying factors when Shockwave Therapy would not be appropriate 

There are a few circumstances when shockwave therapy should not be used, so please inform your practitioner if you are experiencing any of the conditions or circumstances listed below:

● If pregnant or trying to conceive

● For application over open growth plates – not suitable for under 18 years.

● Over metal pins or plates

● Malignant Tumours

● Nerve or circulation disorders

● Infections

● If the patient is taking anticoagulants

Costs for treatment

During your appointment, our practitioners will combine treatment, advice, and a comprehensive ultrasound scan, along with your shockwave therapy to ensure you get the best chance of a successful result.

Research and experience suggest that a minimum of three treatments is required, but this can be discussed with our practitioners during your appointment.

Please contact the admin team on 01444453874 to make a booking.