Are you experiencing pain at the back portion of your heel? If so, then you’re probably suffering from Achilles Tendonitis.
You might think that this can be hard to treat, but there are actually effective home remedies that you can do to alleviate the pain and also help heal your Achilles tendon. In this article, you will find the most effective home remedies for Achilles tendonitis.
But before anything else, what exactly is it?
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
In our feet, there is a tendon called the Achilles Tendon and its function is to attach your calf muscles down to your heel bone.
This tendon is primarily used for our daily functions like walking, running, and jumping. People who are active and play sports that require a lot of footwork are more likely to suffer from Achilles Tendonitis.
Achilles Tendonitis can be characterized by an inflammation in the tendon area and it is quite painful, especially if you put pressure on the affected site.
If you suffer from Achilles Tendonitis, do not fret! There are effective home remedies that you can do to treat it. Read on to find out!
- The RICE Method
This is probably the best thing you can do if you’re suffering from Achilles Tendonitis. The RICE method is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation
- Rest- The key here is to not put unwanted pressure on the affected area so as to avoid any complications and pain. Use crutches if you need to walk often.
- Ice- Ice is an invaluable tool against inflammation. What you should do is fill an ice bag and then get a piece of cloth to wrap it up. Place it on the affected area for a good 15 minutes and then remove it. Wait a couple of minutes to allow your tendon area to dry and then repeat the process.
- Compression- You can compress the affected area with the use of a bandage. Wrap the bandage around the inflamed area. Make sure to not wrap it too tightly, but just enough so that the swelling won’t be aggravated.
- Elevation– It is best that you elevate the affected foot with the use of pillows or an elevated surface. The reason why you need to elevate the affected foot is to allow lesser blood flow to go to the inflamed area, thus ensuring the inflammation will not worsen.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider has been known to have anti-inflammatory effects. Get a glass of water and add one to two teaspoons of Apple Cider Vinegar. To limit its strong sourness, you can add a teaspoon of honey as well. Consume two glasses per day until the inflammation subsides.
- Castor Oil
Castor Oil is proven to have an anti-inflammatory effect thanks to its main ingredient: ricinoleic acid. Not only that but it is also proven to reduce the pain due to the swelling as well. Apply Castor Oil to the inflamed area at least two times a day.
- Stretching
Stretching the affected area can help heal it more quickly. Do static stretches and hold it for 10 seconds up to a maximum of 30 seconds. Do this a couple of times a day until the affected area is healed. When you feel a sharp pain, stop stretching immediately and wait until the pain goes away and then stretch again.
- Turmeric
A popular spice, Turmeric has a compound called curcumin which is known to have anti-inflammatory effects. There are over-the-counter Turmeric supplements or if you want, you can boil a teaspoon of Turmeric Powder in a small cup of full-cream milk. Allow it to simmer for at least 5 minutes before drinking. If you want to add a bit of sweetness to it, you can add a teaspoon of honey. Drink this two times a day.
- Proper Footwear
If you’re someone who has an active lifestyle and you run on a consistent basis, you need to be wearing the proper footwear. The right pair of shoes will help prevent Achilles Tendonitis from happening. The key here is for your shoes to have adequate cushioning to alleviate the stress from your Achilles tendons.
- Ginger
Ginger has been known to have a plethora of health benefits. This wonderful ingredient also has anti-inflammatory properties and there are a number of ways you can consume ginger. You can make ginger tea or you can add it to your foods as well.
To make ginger tea, thinly slice the ginger and add a small amount of it in 1 ½ cups of water. Let it simmer for 10 minutes. Strain the tea and add honey or milk to taste. Drink it at least twice a day.
General Tips
Although Achilles Tendonitis is painful, it can be prevented. Here are some useful tips so that you can avoid having this inflammation:
- Stretch before and after exercise. Do dynamic stretching before workouts and static stretching afterward.
- Avoid eating too many sweets. Sugar has been known to have inflammatory agents and consuming copious amounts of it can promote inflammation. Be sure to avoid eating too many sweets.
- Drink Plenty of Water. This is common knowledge, but some people still do not hydrate themselves properly. Staying hydrated will keep any inflammation at bay. If you have an active lifestyle, aim to consume at least 10 glasses of water a day.
- Right Shoes. You need to be wearing the proper footwear when you exercise. For starters, running shoes are great because they provide adequate cushioning. If you’re playing basketball, however, you will need to be wearing the appropriate footwear to avoid injuring your foot.
- Allow your Feet to Rest. Achilles Tendonitis can usually stem from too much strain on your feet. Allow your feet to rest from running, jumping, or any strenuous activities from time to time.
Final Words
Achilles Tendonitis is painful. Fortunately, it can be easily prevented and it can also be easily treated if you know how to. The home remedies for Achilles tendonitis I’ve outlined above should help you relieve the pain and heal your Achilles Tendon in a short amount of time.
Author Bio
Lisa Miller is the founder and editor in chief at FootCareSource.com, a foot health blog dedicated to providing trusted advice and information about foot health, foot wear and foot friendly lifestyle choices. Check out her blog to find more about Lisa and her work.