Kinesio Taping for Achilles Pain and Rehab

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It is  in the back of the lower leg and it's the tendon that attaches to the heel bone, also called the calcaneus. On the other end, it connects the leg muscles to the foot. The Achilles tendon is what facilitates rising up on your toes, allows you to walk. If you are a ballerina then the Achilles gets an intense workout.

The most common Achilles tendon injuries are Achilles tendinosis, also called Achilles tendonitis, and Achilles tendon rupture.

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Achilles tendonitis makes it almost impossible to walk and it's most common in long distance runners.  And, left untreated by a doctor, this can result in rupture. So don't mess around. If you pop an an Achilles tendon (rupture the Achilles), that sucker will snap like a rubber band up into the calf. Think spring loaded pain. No fun whatsoever. And it takes a long time to heal. Achilles tendonosis can lead to a rupture.

Activities that involve sudden stops, starts and repeat jumping increases the risk of achilles tendonitis. This is similar to activities that can also cause an ACL injury.

Here are two of the tapings you can use for achilles pain. Of course, Achilles pain is something that you should have seen by a doctor. And if you've ruptured an achilles no amount of kinesio tape will cure it. That would be like trying to cure a heart attack with a band aid. These tapings can be used for:

• Ache or pain in the Achilles that is not gut wrenching, I-gotta-get-to-the-ER type of pain
• As a preventive measure if you have a tendency to get tendonitis in the Achilles.
• If you suspect you have achilles tendonitis. But this pain should not be ignored and the tape should only provide some relief before you get to see the doctor since they don't always get you in immediately.
• Post-op for Achilles healing. It is designed to speed recovery and reduce pain and swelling.

Kinesiology Taping Video Example for Creating Achilles Rest Strap for Achilles Tendonitis

Kinesio Tape I strip

I asked Dr. Micca, the foot surgeon/physician about this taping. "There are two muscles that make up the achilles--the gastrocs which originates above the knee and the soleus which originates below."

"Since this taping goes above the knee it is used for an injured achilles-gastrocnemius component (gastrocnemius is the calf muscle). This type of taping is called an Achilles Rest Strap. (Should really be called a gastroc rest strap)."