Achilles tendonitis is a painful and often debilitating inflammation or injury of the Achilles tendon. This large tendon is an extension of the two calf muscles; it runs down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus). The Achilles tendon connects the strong leg muscles to the foot and gives you the ability to rise up on your toes, which allows you to walk. Unfortunately, Achilles tendonitis can make walking almost impossible.
The effects of ESWT are best documented in areas of changes in tissue density, such as those where a tendon attaches to a bone (enthesiopathies) and where a bone attaches to a ligament (desmopathies). For this reason, it is very effective for painful connective tissue in the foot and heels. Additionally, ESWT gives new hope by relieving pain, eliminating the risk factors associated with surgery and allowing people to resume their normal lives.
You may have Achilles tendonitis if you experience:
Pain along the back of the heel when you first walk in the morning
Pain along the back of the heel after sitting for a long period
Pain that subsides and then returns after rest or athletic activities
A persistent ache, shooting pain, burning pain or even severe piercing foot pain
Pain when you press the site where the tendon meets the
heel bone
