PODIATRISTS DISCUSS ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY

If your Achilles are aching, a shoe with a higher heel might provide some relief. “I tell my patients that there is evidence that heel lifts and forefoot rocker shoes can reduce Achilles tendon loads and that they may be used as short-term or for some long-term options—ideally short-term,” says sports podiatrist Paul Langer, DPM. Fellow sports podiatrist Rob Conenello, DPM thinks such pampering should almost always be short, with the emphasis shifting as quickly as possible to loading and strengthening. 

 

(L-R) Drs. Paul Langer and Rob Conenello

 

“When I have an athlete with Achilles tendonopathy, I usually refer them to a physical therapist to strengthen the tendon, usually focusing on eccentric strength,” Dr. Conenello says. “Part of the treatment process is to manipulate the drop of the shoe. Conenello educates the athlete, therapist, and retailer on how to apply a gradual, progressive load to the tendon. Contrary to conventional wisdom, Conenello says, “I believe prescribing a lower drop shoe and carefully monitored strengthening could be much more beneficial than the old school philosophy of adding heel lifts and decreasing the load.”

 

Source: Jonathan Beverly, Podium Runner

Courtesy of Barry Block, editor of PM News