What's the best treatment for achilles tendinitis?

Consistent icing and stretching has worked well for me, although mine is only just resolving after a year as well. Also, wearing a heel splint at night. Before my marathon a week ago, my chiro applied k-tape to the achilles, and amazingly, I ran the race without a trace of pain there!!

That said, it's an injury that takes a loooong time to heal because of its location and the lack of vascularity in tendons.

Hi Sandra,

Are you "rolling" your foot? As previously mentioned the stretching of the foot is very important - especially for the fascia. But not just stretching it; the actual rolling of the foot releases any tightness, trigger points (hot spots) and makes a huge difference. This should/can be done upon waking as well as before exercise. And this can (should) then help with many other issues as well (ie., tight calfs, knee tracking and hip centration); hence, healing. Ground forces travel up...so make the energy flow smooth.....starting at the base.

FYI, my favorite is a spikey ball....but rolling over anything (even square) is most excellent.
And you can also freeze cups of water and roll over the cup to help with inflammation. I do believe wrapping (and K-tape if you can get) are important while healing in day to day living.

Be gentle; and here's to healing, Joy

I would suggest to check out the MELT method (Myofascial Energetic Length Technique). One component of MELT is the use of little balls for your feet. There is a structured application, and the treatment of the connective tissue (fascia) of your feet has ramifications up the chain. When I teach a foot MELT group class, everybody comments how much more flexible their legs feel. In my settings, most people comment on their hamstrings but the calves (and thereby the achilles tendon) will also benefit.

I suggest that you check out www.melthmethod.com to see whether there is a MELT instructor anywhere near you. You can also find more information about MELT at that web site. And you are more than welcome to check out my web site www.meltnc.com to look at the information that I have compiled.

I have heard people drawing comparisons between MELT and ART because they are in the same ballpark. One major difference is that MELT is self-treatment.

Good luck.

The best treatment for achilles tendinitis is to hire someone who truly understands and is trained in rehabilitation therapies involving connective tissues.

What has worked for me and my clients is rest and deep tissue "release", stretching, ice, time and patience