If you’re reading this article, you’re probably experiencing a sharp pain, typically in the back of your lower leg, but you don’t know what the cause of this pain might be. The most common cause of this pain is a condition known as Achilles tendonitis, and it has many different causes from age to injuries caused by a sudden increase of use of a major tendon that goes up the back of your leg called the Achilles tendon.
Fortunately, Achilles tendonitis is very easy to treat yourself in most cases. There are several home remedies you might want to try before you make a doctor’s appointment. This article will discuss some of these common home remedies.
What Is Achilles Tendonitis?
Before you can begin Achilles tendonitis home treatment, it is important to know exactly what it is so that you can understand what you’re dealing with. Achilles tendonitis is caused by an injury arising from overuse of the Achilles tendon, a major tendon that connects the back of your heel to muscle groups located between the tibia and fibula, the two main bones that support your lower leg as you stand.
Injury to the Achilles tendon causes inflammation, which causes pain. In severe cases, a tear may form. The intensity of the pain can range from a slight annoyance to a throbbing or stabbing pain that can make walking or running difficult. This type of injury is commonly caused by a sudden increase in the intensity of physical training of these muscle groups or by sudden increases in the intensity or duration of jogging or running activities, which makes this type of injury common when playing sports that involve a lot of running around. This condition can become more common as you age.
This type of injury is commonly caused by a sudden increase in the intensity or duration of these muscles while jogging, running activities and/or physical training, which makes this type of injury common when playing sports that involve a lot of running around.
Types of Home Remedies
You do not typically need a doctor to treat Achilles tendonitis as long as there are no tears. Achilles tendonitis home treatment can be easily performed when the injury is not severe. Some of these home treatments include:
- Castor oil – Castor oil is a vegetable-based oil that is known as the world’s oldest pain relievers in existence! Historians have found evidence of its use dating as far back as the 8th century BCE. Castor oil was actually used by the ancient Greeks in a wide variety of applications including cosmetics and fuel.
What truly made castor oil shine, though, was its use as a medicinal ointment used to cure such ailments as stomach ache, constipation, dry eyes and even rheumatism. The oil is rich in a naturally-occurring compound called ricinoleic acid, which is known to rival morphine in its effectiveness as a pain reliever. - Turmeric – Turmeric is a spice that is typically used in various Asian cuisines, particularly those from India and Thailand. The spice comes from the root of a tall, slender plant known as Curcuma Longa, possibly a reference to the long, tuberous roots of the plant from which turmeric is made.
However, turmeric also has a long and proud history dating back over 4,000 years as an ancient medicinal wonder. The same compound in turmeric, which is called curcumin, has long been proven as an effective anti-inflammatory and anti-swelling agent. This makes turmeric the oldest natural remedy in existence today, as well as a perfect home remedy for Achilles tendonitis with mild side effects. - Simple rest – In very mild cases, Achilles tendonitis will go away on its own by resting the affected leg. Keep the leg elevated, and try to limit any movement while resting.
- Supportive footwear – Wearing supportive footwear, particularly shoes with arch support, can help alleviate pain caused by Achilles tendonitis and can also help reduce the risk of future injuries.
- Achilles heel pad – If you must remain active while experiencing pain from Achilles tendonitis, wearing an Achilles heel pad can help limit any movement and pressure that may aggravate the injury. The Silipos Achilles heel pad is a lightweight, comfortable, toeless sleeve that comforts, cushions, and protects the Achilles area.
- Night brace – There are also night braces you wear on your leg while sleeping. These are designed to limit any movement while sleeping.
If you encounter severe pain or stiffness, or the pain does not improve within a week, it’s recommended that you have the injury checked out by a doctor in order to make sure you don’t have any tears that can be caused by more severe cases. If any tears are found, your doctor might recommend surgery to repair the tears. Achilles tendonitis home treatment may not be possible in such cases.
