So much is made of Achilles tendonitis one wonders what kind of shoes Achilles would’ve worn, had he been a man and not a myth. As he was a soldier, he would’ve worn a krepis. The best you could say about such a shoe was that it was certainly breathable. The toes and half the instep were fully exposed.
The sole, made of several layers of cork and cattle skin, had enough traction to deal with the rocky terrain of the Greek landscape. The tongue was elaborately carved to let everyone know that the wearer was both a free man and a citizen of Greece. How high the boot was often indicated by the wearer’s rank. If Achilles had just gotten that promotion, perhaps we’d be talking about Patroclus tendonitis.
What Kind of Shoes to Wear With Achilles Tendonitis?
The shoes you wear while exercising should offer an appreciable amount cushioning for your heel and should feature solid arch support to aid in the reduction of the tension in the Achilles tendon.
Replace all of your old and worn-out shoes. If your shoes are actually in reasonably good condition but do not provide support for your feet you may want to try arch supports in both shoes.
There are some other important features you should look for when choosing a walking shoe if you have Achilles Tendonitis. Be on the lookout for these factors. The more of them your shoe possesses the better.
- Heel When shopping for the most ideal shoe for Achilles tendonitis you should seek out for a shoe that has a heel that is not too high or too low. Look for a heel that is just somewhat high and feels comfortable to you. It must as well provide the heel ample support as well as an appreciable freedom of movement.
- Cushion Cushioning is vital for protecting your heel from Achilles tendonitis. The reason for this is cushioning on the heel lowers the amount of pressure your heel feels when on the move.
- Arch Support A lack of arch support is what most often results in Achilles tendonitis. Your shoes should match the arch of your feet. This will aid in supplying more arch support for your feet. This also prevents Achilles tendonitis and alleviates the pain.
- Insoles The insoles for the shoes you finally decide on should provide your feet with ideal height as well as ample cushioning. This sees to it that the insoles of the shoes are providing your feet with satisfactory arch and heel support
- The Ball of the Foot A shoe should bend at the ball of the foot and nowhere else. A boot that does not bend here very well can seriously affect movement. The sole should flex at the ball of the foot but be supportive everywhere else.
The Reviews:
Here are some walking boots and braces that have proven beneficial in the recovery process of people who suffer from Achilles tendonitis. Compare and find out which one is best for you.
1. Aircast AirSelect Walker Brace
AirSelect Walker Brace could very well be the walking boot that will be your best friend if you happen to be suffering from Achilles tendonitis. The upper is made out of quality leather that will guarantee long-lasting durability. The main selling feature is a completely flexible sole that will allow your foot total freedom of movement.
Features and Benefits:
The shell is semi-rigid to aid in supporting the leg. For compression, there is a pre-inflated front panel. It also comes with two adjustable air cells for further support. The SoftStrike technology dissipates shock while it absorbs it. The boot is lightweight and easy to wear.
The open-frame design offers ample ventilation. The rubber tread is skid resistant and non-marking. The universal fit means that it can be worn on either foot. The overlapping Duplex air cells that line the shell provide pneumatic compression for quick reduction of swelling.
What We Like:
- The boots come with a very wide toe box.
- Full-grain leather was utilized in the construction.
- The fit is comfortable.
- The highly padded collar makes the boot more comfortable.
What We Don’t:
- It is a little pricier than most brands.
2. ProCare Ankle Walking Boot
If you are out there searching desperately for a quality boot that will deliver superior support or if you might prefer professional orthopedic support then you may want to try this ProCare Boot because not only does it have a lightweight and flexible sole but you will find that it is super easy to clean after a long day of walking. If the boot is clean, your foot is clean and good hygiene means fast healing.
Features and Benefits:
The medical-grade Velcro is ten times stronger than retail. The polymer shell is extra strong for durability. The rocker sole promotes a natural step. The three-strap system is comfortable, secure and adjustable.
The tread on the bottom has good traction for safe walking. The cushioning is soft, comfortable and absorbs shock. The wide footbed accommodates swelling. It is universal to fit on the left or right foot.
What We Like:
- The upper is waterproof.
- The mesh uppers are completely breathable.
- The price is affordable.
- It comes with a premium orthotic insole
- The boot is perfect for a wide array of activities such as hiking and walking
What We Don’t:
- It is a little too hefty.
3. Superior Low Top walking boot
One of the main reasons that this particular boot is being featured in this review is the rubber sole. This provides lightweight features and has caused this boot to be an extremely flexible boot as well. It presents a hefty grip whether walking or running. It also adequates for soggy environments where it can be difficult to keep your feet dry and clean.
Features and Benefits:
This is a universal boot that can be worn on either the left or right foot. To increase immobilization of the lower extremities an inflatable compression bladder is incorporated into the liner. The molded plastic is lightweight yet sturdy for stability and comfort. The insole absorbs shock. The rocker sole promotes a natural gait.
What We Like:
- The membrane is appreciably breathable.
- The polyester lining is fast drying
- The boot is supportive and comfortable.
- This is a flexible hiking sole that is very comfortable to wear.
- The protective toe and heel caps keep the foot safe.
What We Don’t:
- It is a little heftier than it should be.
- It’s a bit on the noisy side.
4. SENTEQ Ankle Brace with Stabilizer Strap
SENTEQ makes it their goal to integrate innovative technology plus high-quality materials to create sports and medical equipment with only the best possible quality. Each and every facet of the piece is engineered with top of the line craftsmanship and is examined with the strictest of standards in mind. All products of SENTEQ are medical grade and FDA approved.
Features and Benefits:
The open heel manufacture is for stabilizing the ankle and heel to prevent injury. The soothing compressive heat promotes circulation and reduces swelling. The ankle strap, made from a breathable neoprene material, is adjustable and secure for a good fit.
Anti-odor technology means it well smell better longer. High-quality materials mean a greater durability factor. The breathable mesh ensures airflow and a release of excess heat.
What We Like:
- The wrap-around system is comfortable.
- It provides total support for the tendons and ligaments.
- The materials are of high quality.
- The brace is fully adjustable.
- It is as lightweight as it gets.
- It is waterproof
- It fits very well under a pair of running socks with no discomfort.
What We Don’t:
- It’s a little hard to figure out how to put on.
- The support is minimal.
5. Mcdavid Ankle Brace
Here is an ankle brace that has a lightweight and comfortable construction yet still manages to be supportive to the wearer. It would be the most ideal choice for joggers and athletes on the mend who are making sure to prevent any further injuries during physical activities.
Features and Benefits:
It is constructed from single-layer polyester to make it lightweight. It comes with a padded lining for comfort and a ventilated tongue for breathability. The lace-up closure design allows the boot to be both a custom fit and to be adjusted to a comfortable level of compression. The figure-6 strap gives additional support, functioning much like athletic tape.
What We Like:
- The universal fit means it can go either on the left or right leg.
- The figure-6 strap is fully adjustable.
- The lacing system likewise is fully adjustable
- It is great for preventing injuries.
- The construct is latex-free.
What We Don’t:
- It is not comfortable enough for long term use
- It is not an ideal choice for those with pre-existing problems
- It is a bit bulky.
The Cause of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendinitis is the result of repetitive or intense strain on the Achilles tendon. This is the band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to your heel bone. This tendon is used whenever a person walks, runs, jumps or pushes up on their toes.
The structure of the Achilles tendon often weakens with age. This can make it more vulnerable to injury. This is especially true of people who might take part in sports only on the weekends or who have without proper preparation upped the intensity of their running programs.
Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis
Diagnosis can happen at different points. The start of pain may be rater sudden and unexpected, often a reaction to overwork. This is what is referred to as reactive tendinopathy and may be extremely painful. It may often be more chronic, being longstanding instead of just severe.
This is then referred to as tendon disarray or degeneration. The treatment will thus vary on the individual patient. In the end, it includes improving the tendon’s tolerance to bearing weight. Initially, the patient will be taken off their feet for a while but eventually, the patient must get back on their feet and back to exercising.
How Physical Therapy May Help
Recovery from Achilles tendinopathy can be promoted by physical therapy. It would address such issues as pain or swelling in the affected area plus any deficiency of flexibility, strength or body control. You and your physical therapist should work together to come up with a custom treatment program to aid you in achieving your personal goals in the safest and most effective way you are able to. Your treatment could include:
- Education. Your physical therapist should work with you to specify any probable external factors that cause your pain. This could be insufficient footwear or improper movements or exercises. Your physical therapist can judge your footwear and suggest improvements as well as develop an individual exercise regimen to aid in ensuring a pain-free return to your usual activities.
- Pain management. Many pain-relief strategies may be used such as putting ice on the area, fitting the affected leg in a brace, utilizing heel lifts or taking part in therapies such as iontophoresis or therapeutic ultrasound. These strategies can lessen the call for pain medication such as opioids.
- Manual therapy. Your physical therapist might try hands-on treatments to mildly get your muscles and joints moving in order to better their motion and function. These techniques frequently serve areas that are hard to treat by yourself.
- Range-of-motion treatments. Your ankle, foot, or knee joint might be moving inappropriately which causes increased strain on the Achilles tendon. Self-stretching and manual therapy techniques manipulating the lower body can aid in the restoration of normal motion in the foot, ankle, knee, and hip.
- Gentle exercise. Applying weight or resistance to the tendon through exercise is constructive for recovery from Achilles tendinopathy. You can start by doing gentle strengthening exercises in a seated position. You then can move on to exercises in a standing position such as standing heel raises.
- Muscle-strengthening exercises. Muscle weakness or imbalance might lead to excessive strain on the Achilles tendon. Your physical therapist should design a personalized and progressive resistance program for you to help fix anything that may be causing your pain.
- Functional training. After your pain subsides and your strength and motion get better you will have to transition safely back into more difficult activities. To reduce the tension on the Achilles tendon and your risk of re-injury, it is vital to train yourself with safe, controlled movements
Conclusion
Achilles Tendonitis is a difficult ailment to deal with. Eventually, you will have to get back on your feet and gingerly exercise your way back to normalcy. Get the right kind of shoe and you need not worry about injuring yourself again.
From Visually.
References:
- https://www.moveforwardpt.com/symptomsconditionsdetail.aspx?cid=0d1d353d-ea2c-4133-b39f-cfd856036d69
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369020
- https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/the-running-blog/2014/oct/28/take-load-off-feet-achilles-tendinopathy-runners-injury
- https://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/recovering-from-achilles-tendon-injury#1