Achilles Tendinitis Treatment

Acupuncture for Specific Conditions
Written By Theodore Levarda
Achilles tendinitis treatment

Achilles tendinitis

Imagine experiencing a persistent, burning pain along the back of your lower leg near the heel—making it difficult to walk, run, or even stand for extended periods. Achilles tendonitis, an overuse injury characterized by inflammation and micro-tears in the Achilles tendon, can seriously impact your daily activities.

At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach—combining acupuncture and dry needling—is designed to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and promote healing while restoring proper tendon function.

Overview of Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendonitis is characterized by:

  • Pain and tenderness along the Achilles tendon, typically near the heel

  • Swelling and stiffness in the lower leg

  • Pain that worsens with physical activity or prolonged standing

  • Reduced range of motion in the ankle

It commonly develops from repetitive strain, overuse, or sudden increases in physical activity.

Understanding the Biomechanics & Mechanisms

Key factors contributing to Achilles tendinitis include:

  • Tendon Overuse and Micro-Tears:

    • Repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon can cause tiny tears in the tendon fibers.

  • Inflammatory Response:

    • Tissue damage triggers inflammation, leading to pain and stiffness.

  • Muscle Imbalances and Referred Pain:

    • Tightness in the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) can increase strain on the Achilles tendon and contribute to pain referral.

Treatment Options: A Broader Perspective

Conventional treatments for Achilles tendinitis typically include:

  • Medications:

    • NSAIDs to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation

  • Rest & Ice:

    • Resting the affected leg and applying ice to reduce swelling

  • Physical Therapy:

    • Stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and ankle

  • Orthotics:

    • Supportive shoe inserts to reduce strain on the tendon

  • Corticosteroid Injections:

    • For severe inflammation (used with caution)

Differential Diagnosis

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis can mimic conditions such as:

  • Retrocalcaneal bursitis

  • Tendon rupture

  • Plantar fasciitis

Our integrated approach—combining acupuncture with dry needling—is introduced as a first-line option to address both tendon inflammation and associated muscle imbalances without invasive procedures.

How Acupuncture & Dry Needling Can Help

Our dual-modality approach offers comprehensive benefits:

  • Acupuncture:

    • Fine needles are inserted at specific TCM points to modulate pain pathways, enhance local circulation, and reduce inflammation around the tendon.

  • Dry Needling:

    • Targets trigger points in the calf muscles to mechanically release tension, correct muscle imbalances, and relieve referred pain that stresses the tendon.

Summary Table:

Treatment Component Techniques Used Mechanism/Benefits Example Points/Targets
Acupuncture Insertion at TCM points Modulates nerve pathways; increases local blood flow; reduces inflammation BL57 (Chengshan), KI3 (Taixi), SP6 (Sanyinjiao)*
Dry Needling Insertion into trigger points Releases muscle tension; improves muscle balance; reduces referred pain Trigger points in gastrocnemius, soleus, and local calf muscles
*Note: SP6 (Sanyinjiao) is used as an adjunct to support overall lower limb function.

Acupuncture Points for Achilles Tendinitis

Our sessions may include these key acupuncture points, selected for their relevance to Achilles tendon health and lower limb circulation:

  • BL57 (Chengshan):

    • Located in the mid-calf region, BL57 is often used to alleviate pain and reduce tension near the Achilles tendon.

  • KI3 (Taixi):

    • Positioned near the ankle, KI3 supports kidney function and enhances lower limb circulation, contributing to tendon repair.

  • SP6 (Sanyinjiao):

    • Situated above the medial malleolus, SP6 aids in regulating fluid metabolism and reducing inflammation in the lower leg.

Trigger Points for Achilles Tendonitis

We also target specific trigger points in muscles that contribute to Achilles tendon stress:

  • Gastrocnemius:

    • Trigger points in the gastrocnemius can increase tension on the Achilles tendon.

    • Dry needling helps release tightness and restore normal muscle function.

  • Soleus:

    • Tightness in the soleus further exacerbates strain on the tendon.

    • Targeted needling assists in relieving muscle imbalances and reducing pain.

  • Local Calf Muscles:

    • Additional trigger points in surrounding calf muscles can contribute to overall lower limb dysfunction.

    • Addressing these points improves biomechanics and reduces tendon load.

Research & Evidence

Acupuncture Research for Achilles Tendinitis:

A randomized controlled trial by Zhang et al. (2013) investigated the effectiveness of acupuncture for chronic Achilles tendinopathy. The study demonstrated that acupuncture significantly reduced pain and improved functional outcomes in patients. Specifically, acupuncture was found to modulate local nerve pathways, enhance blood circulation, and reduce inflammation, contributing to overall tendon healing and improved limb function.

Dry Needling Research for Achilles Tendinitis:

A systematic review by Nuhmani et al. (2023) analyzed randomized controlled trials evaluating dry needling in tendinopathy management. The review found that dry needling effectively decreased pain intensity, improved muscle function, and facilitated recovery by targeting trigger points within affected muscles. These findings support dry needling as a valuable intervention for managing Achilles tendinopathy and related muscular dysfunction.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • How does dry needling differ from acupuncture for Achilles tendinitis?
    Dry needling specifically targets trigger points in the calf muscles to mechanically release tension and restore balance, whereas acupuncture uses established TCM points to modulate pain and enhance circulation.

  • What are the typical symptoms of Achilles tendonitis?
    Common symptoms include pain and tenderness along the tendon, stiffness in the calf, and discomfort during walking or running.

  • Can this integrated treatment help prevent further tendon damage?
    Yes, by reducing inflammation and correcting muscle imbalances, our approach may help prevent recurrent injury.

  • How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
    Many patients report noticeable improvements after several sessions; however, treatment duration depends on the severity of the condition.

  • Is it safe to combine this treatment with physical therapy or orthotics?
    Absolutely. Our integrated approach is designed to complement other conservative treatments for a comprehensive recovery.

  • What long-term benefits can I expect from this approach?
    Patients often experience sustained pain relief, improved tendon function, and enhanced overall lower limb mobility.

Ready to Take Control?

Are you ready to alleviate your Achilles tendon pain and restore your mobility? At Morningside Acupuncture, our integrated approach combining acupuncture and dry needling targets the root causes of Achilles tendinitis.

Schedule your consultation today and take the first step toward a pain-free, active life.

Additional Resources & Next Steps

  • Learn More: Visit our Blog for further insights into our treatment approach.

  • What to Expect: During your initial consultation, we perform a comprehensive evaluation to develop a personalized treatment plan.

  • Patient Stories: Read testimonials from patients who have experienced lasting relief

Sources:

 

Disclaimer: This web site is intended for educational and informational purposes only. Reading this website does not constitute providing medical advice or any professional services. This information should not be used for diagnosing or treating any health issue or disease. Those seeking medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Seek the advice of a medical doctor or other qualified health professional for any medical condition. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the emergency room. No acupuncturist-patient relationship is created by reading this website or using the information. Morningside Acupuncture PLLC and its employees and contributors do not make any express or implied representations with respect to the information on this site or its use.

 

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Theodore Levarda

Teddy is a licensed acupuncturist and certified myofascial trigger point therapist at Morningside Acupuncture in New York City.

Teddy specializes in combining traditional acupuncture with dry needling to treat pain, sports injuries, and stress.

https://www.morningsideacupuncturenyc.com/
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