Achilles Tendon injuries treated with Prolotherapy
Prolotherapy Relieves Joint Pain from Wearing High Heels
Here Ross Hauser, prolotherapy doctor in Oak Park, IL, performs a Prolotherapy treatment to a patient's Achilles tendon.
The Journal of Experimental Biology recently released a small study exposing the effects of high heels on a woman’s muscles and tendons. They found that wearing two-inch heels or higher five or more days per week shrinks calf muscle fibers and thickens the Achilles tendon. As a result, women may feel pain when switching to flat shoes. The reason, they explain, is that wearing heels changes the natural resting position of the ankle causing the foot to point down. Therefore the Achilles tendon and calf is shortened. When flat shoes are put on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles are stretched, causing pain.
We weren’t surprised at these findings; in fact we frequently see various joint pains related to high heels. Poor foot biomechanics is a potential cause of pain in the foot, ankle, knee, hip and low back. Feet act as a spring, propelling the body forward with each step. If the spring is not in the proper position, or is injured, the propelling force must come from these other joints. Over time degeneration and pain can develop.
Another structural weakness caused by high heels is fallen arches. As the researchers noted, high heels affect the Achilles tendon and structure and function of the ankle. As a result, the posterior tibial tendon, the tendon running behind the inside bump of the ankle, compensates for the stress and breakdown causing fallen arches. Symptoms of fallen arches include pain and swelling in the ankle and lower leg swelling. If the ligaments of the foot are left unstrengthened pain can develop in the knee and hip.
The best way to treat pain caused by high heels is through Prolotherapy. The structural weaknesses need to be addressed, and common treatments such as arch supports and anti-inflammatories do not reach the root problem. Prolotherapy strengthens the ligaments that become weak or injured from high heel use. We may even suggest using toe stretchers and barefoot walking to strengthen the bottom of the foot. And we also agree with the study – moderate use of high heels is best for keeping your feet strong and pain free.
Do you have a nagging pain that you can’t seem to get rid of? It may be related to a structural weakness that only Prolotherapy can address. Give us a call today for a consultation.
Here Ross Hauser,