Achilles tendon injuries are one of the most common overuse injuries in recreational sports. A very small percentage of these injuries are diagnosed and treated by doctors of chiropractic. What is especially interesting is that a high percentage of these injuries are caused by a posterior calcaneus subluxation.


The first step in evaluation of an Achilles tendon injury is palpation of the injured area. A ruptured Achilles tendon must first be ruled out. This is done by performing Thompson's Test, which calls for squeezing the calf muscle and checking for the normal plantar flexion of the foot response. If a complete rupture is present, I would recommend a consultation with your orthopedic referral doctor.

Most cases of severe rupture will be in the group of males over the age of 40. The majority of non-ruptured tendon injuries will not require surgery if proper conservative care is provided. Palpation of the Achilles tendon may reveal a thickening of the entire tendon or isolated "bumps." Point tenderness mayextend into the musculoskeletal junction of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. The muscle bellies of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles may exhibit hypertonicity and point tenderness. The origin of the soleus and gastrocnemius muscles should be palpated for tenderness.


Remember, the Achilles tendon is merely connective tissue between the calf muscles and the point of insertion of the calcaneus. Many cases of Achilles injuries are caused by a lack of flexibility of the calf muscles. The gastrocnemius muscle is stretched with the knee fully extended and the soleus is only stretched with the knee flexed. My experience is that most athletes only stretch their calves with their knee fully extended and therefore never fully stretch the soleus muscles.

In all Achilles tendon injuries, I adjust for a posterior calcaneus. In many cases, this is the cause of the injury.


The rest of the foot, the knee, and the pelvis are always evaluated for subluxations. It is of prime importance tha we treat the entire musculoskeletal system. Poor foot mechanics are another major cause of Achilles tendinitis. Approximately 60% of the population has some degree of foot overpronation. This rolling in of the foot may eventually lead to overuse injury of the Achilles tendon. Evaluation of overpronation is accomplished by having the patient alternately stand on one foot at a time. Watch for a medial rotation of the tibia and a dropping of the arch. If overpronation is present, a custom orthotic is prescribed.


The Running Doctor, a San Diego chiropractor provides sports medicine and chiropractic care for: Sports injuries, auto injuries, low back pain, neck pain, joint pain, wrist pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, achilles tendonitis, muscle spasms and more...