Can Orthotic Insoles Help Treat Achilles Tendonitis?
Updated March 24, 2023.
Achilles tendonitis is a condition caused by overuse, where the Achilles tendon - the tendon which connects the calf muscle to the heel - is injured. Common symptoms include pain at the back of the ankle and heel, stiffness of the ankle joint, tenderness to the touch, and swelling.
Although there are many potential treatments for this condition, such as physiotherapy, you may also find some relief from custom orthotics.
Do You Need Orthotics for Achilles Tendonitis?
In short, definitely. There are different types of Achilles tendonitis, and all can benefit somewhat from the use of custom orthotics.
Insertional Achilles Tendonitis
This condition affects the lower part of the tendon, where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Pain caused by insertional Achilles tendonitis can be eased with custom orthotics and shoe insoles.
Noninsertional Achilles Tendonitis
This condition affects the muscle fibers in the middle portion of the tendon. It generally affects the younger population, who are more physically active.
It is essential to keep a close eye on your feet's pain levels, swelling, and movement restrictions. It is necessary to see your healthcare practitioner when there is excruciating pain, excessive swelling and redness, or extreme movement restriction.
What Aggravates Achilles Tendonitis?
- Repetitive movements.
- Not resting the feet enough.
- Wearing improper shoes.
- Ignoring the pain in the initial days and not giving it the required care, thus making it worse and requiring a longer recovery time.
Which Orthotics Are the Best for Relieving Achilles Tendon Pain?
Orthotics help relieve Achilles tendon pain by reducing the tendon's strain and irritation and improving your foot mechanics.
Various foot supports and types of orthotic insoles help in Achilles tendonitis. Silicone Achilles sleeves help in reducing the irritation that is caused from the back of the shoes. Whereas in case of pain from insertional Achilles tendonitis, you can use a heel lift to move the heel away from the back of the shoes to prevent excessive friction.
Upstep is one of the best companies known to produce great custom-made orthotics and foot insoles. Upstep custom orthotic insoles for Achilles tendon pain are designed to reduce the stress from altered foot mechanics by improving your overall foot function, not just the arches of your feet. They are essential in making sure you can get back to walking pain-free.
Podiatrists recommend specific types of shoes to take the tension off the Achilles tendon and reduce irritation. Deep heel cup shoes that hold the food stable and comfortable, and a slight heel raise in the 8-12mm range. Orthopedic supportive sandals are also highly recommended to use in Achilles tendonitis.
Additionally, ankle braces specifically for Achilles tendonitis do help by reducing pain and swelling. They also assist in regaining and improving mobility while the tendon heals.
» Discover the best insoles for achilles tendonitis
Are Upstep Orthotics Worth It?
It is essential to include orthotic insoles in treating Achilles tendonitis in addition to the other conservative management like physiotherapy, as they will all assist in a complete recovery by addressing the individual concerns of one's feet.
Upset is a company with core values and a vision to help customers deal with their altered foot mechanics to make their daily lives better and pain-free. Their orthotics are custom-made with different types of comfortable and breathable material by the expert team of podiatrists. The best part is that they are affordable and won’t burn a hole in your pocket. They use research-based medicine as their approach to foot care and orthotic design. Comprising their medical panel are clinicians with years of experience diagnosing and treating feet conditions. Hence, Upstep orthotics are totally worth becoming a partner in your foot care journey.
