Pilates For Achilles Tendinitis

Heel pain can occur at either of two places: the bottom of the heel or the back of the heel. The heel bone, the calcaneus, is the largest bone of the foot and bears our full weight during part of each stride. The painful heel, in almost all instances, is caused by excessive strain on one of the two major ligaments, and the pain occurs where these ligaments attach to the bone.

First, the Achilles tendon attaches at the back of the heel. This is the strongest tendon in the body and connects the muscles on the back of the calf to the heel. The force of contraction of the calf muscles enables us to stand on tiptoe and gives an extra thrust as we walk. Damage to this tendon attachment is called Achilles tendinitis. Frequently, there will also be tears in the tendon itself or in the lower part of the muscle.

Second, the heel spur syndrome affects the bottom of the heel. This is where the ligaments that make up the arch of the foot attach to the heel bone. These ligaments function like a bowstring to arch the foot, so they are under pressure every time we stand or step. If a problem at the bottom of the heel persists, calcium may develop in the inflamed area where the ligaments attach. The presence of the calcium spur may or may not cause additional pain. Many people have pain without visible spurs on X-ray, while others have spurs but no pain.

Usually heel pain is a simple result of a minor and forgotten injury. Unfortunately, since we strain the injured part every time we walk or stand, these problems can become a vicious cycle in which there is more injury, more inflammation, more injury, and so forth.

Rest, avoidance of further injury, and gradual resumption of activity as the pain subsides are indicated. Non-weight-bearing activities like swimming can be continued full tilt.

For Achilles tendinitis, rest the foot or feet. Use a shoe with a high heel wedge and a lot of padding, since this limits the stretch on the tendon. Warm up and stretch carefully for 10 to 15 minutes before exercise. Exercises such as tennis or walking uphill are not good; these stress the tendon. Remember that tight muscles on the back of the leg put extra strain on this tendon, so warm up with gentle toe touching or other stretching exercises for the calf muscles.

For the heel spur syndrome the activities to avoid are ones that cause pounding on the bottom of the heel. Heel padding will help, but support for the arch is even more important since this takes tension off the ligaments whose job it is to hold the arch. A strap around the foot at the level of the top eyelets on a shoe, secured firmly but not tightly by Velcro, can give good relief. Commercially made running shoes are sometimes very helpful. In most of these shoes the cushioning air cells break down after a few months, so you should change shoes even before they appear worn out. Don’t worry about wearing a silly-looking shoe; forget fashion and concentrate on getting well. This kind of problem can take a year or more to resolve, or it may go away quickly. Keep trying.

Whilst Pilates is becoming more popular as a proven technique to assist in greater muscle strenghten and flexibilty, there are still many who would not consider it techniques due to some myths that they may have picked up. Pilates offers far more than many expect and is not what many think.
Firstly, there is a common misconception that Pilates and Yoga are the same. You have to understand that it is not a derivative of yoga, although the founder, Joseph Pilates did in fact study yoga together with many other fitness and body/mind disciplines. While Pilates and yoga are very complimentary practices, they are also very different in their techniques and outcomes.
Secondly, there is a misunderstanding that Pilates is only a quick fix for out of shape abdominal muscles. It is used as a fix for abs. And it is well-known for flattening stomachs. The reason that Pilates does focus on working from the core, especially the deeper abdominal muscles, is that toning the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles provides stability and freedom of motion throughout the body. This is one of the reasons that it has been so successful for people who have back pain. However, the methods do not stop at abdominal work at all. Structural integration and learning to create a flexible, strong body that can move freely and efficiently are important goals of Pilates fitness. To this end, the methods work all body parts in a very balanced way, not just the abs.
The Pilates method is also a practice of mind/body fitness. Developing a body that works as a harmonious whole requires much more than a calisthenic or a spot reduction approach to fitness. The overall principles – control, centering, concentration, breathing, flow, and precision all support an integrative mind/body experience through such exercise.
Thirdly, some consider that Pilates is for wimps. Pilates is very adaptable. The techniques can vary from easily undertaken to advanced forms of exercise according to the requirements of the individual. The ability to modify exercises for different populations is actually one of the its greatest strengths. In addition, its soaring popularity has meant that there are many beginner classes in practically every gym and studio around the country. This is a good thing, but it also means that people are not necessarily exposed to the intermediate and advanced levels of Pilates. Lastly, the exercises are often done slowly. There is an emphasis on the concepts of awareness and body control that can make the techniques look very simple to perform to the casual onlooker.
It can also be a popular form of exercise for pregnant women, it can be used for rehabilitation from injury, in fact anyone of any age and fitness level can participate in some technique. Nevertheless, the method presents ongoing challenges for even the fittest athletes who use it as a means of not just optimising the performance of their body’s but also to reduce the occurrence of injury.
Fourthly, some are misguided in thinking that Pilates is only for women. It has never been “just for women” and its benefits are certainly not gender biased. After all, it was developed by a man, Joseph Pilates, who is said to have been a rather macho man at that. He was a gymnast, a boxer, and a military trainer in his early years, and pictures of him even into his eighties, reveal a very strong, fit physique. Men have always played an important role in maintaining the methods and shaping its evolution and there are particular techniques designed for the male physique.
It is true that Pilates is very popular with women, but there is nothing about it that makes it more for women than for men. The adaptability of the Pilates method to different levels of fitness and body types has made it an accessible and effective fitness choice for women. Also, Pilates has attracted a large number of dancers, especially women, and many of them have chosen it as a next career. More women teachers have made Pilates more attractive to women students. Both of these factors may have contributed to a somewhat feminised perception.