Achillies bursitis

[carolyn]

I have seen a chiropractor for 9 months for an achillies problem.There was lots of scar tissue in my lower leg which he has done a great job of removing and sorting the inflammation out all around my foot..I am now left with a lump which my gp thinks is a bursitis which is unbearable when touched . I constantley limp due to the tightness in my leg muscle.It is very rare that i have relief. I have been given stretching exercises and use ice most of the day.Any suggestions!!

[Heidi]

Hi,

Did the Chiropractor assess your foot position? With Achilles problems, if you have over pronating or supinating feet this places additional stress on the tendon. If this is the case, no matter how much treatment you have the cause is still there. If this wasn't checked I can highly recommend this. Any problems can eaily be corrected with a change of footwear or insoles.

Other things you could try if you havent already include ultrasound (in my experience excellent in treating achilles problems) or laser therapy.

Check here for any ideas you or I havent mentioned:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/achilles/achillesbursitis.htm

Good luck!

[carolyn]

Hi Heidi,

Thank you very much for your prompt reply.

My gp has recently referred me to a physio and i am now on my 3rd session of ultrasound. I did not feel i was getting any relief, and i was also seeing the chiropractor at the same time.However i have not seen the chiropractor this week and the ultrasound has definately helped. Do you think that the friction being used in the past by the chiropractor has aggrevated the condition.They are also referring me for a scan as the problem has been ongoing for so long.The physio has definately notice a problem with my foot as you mentioned and wants me referred to a poditarist also. The gp has also prescribed Voltaren gel.I am getting a pain in my top of my hip/buttock do you think this is connected.

Many Thanks
Carolyn

[Heidi]

Friction massage is a common treatment for achilles problems, but should not be used to early in the treatment. If you find that it is aggravating the tendon then don't continue with it. I think you'll find the ultrasound will help, as will getting a podiatrist to assess your feet.

The pain in your hip/buttock may well be connected to the problem. It is most likely all coming from your foot position. Its all basically a chain from the feet up. If the feet are not positioned correctly, this sends the shin, knee, thigh and hip out of alignment, causing muscular and joint problems.