Achilles Tendon Pain? Try Acupuncture.

One of the more common orthopedic surgeries is an Achilles tendon repair, which can help to treat pain and mobility issues that stem from Achilles tendinopathy, or a swollen and painful tendon located behind the ankle and above the heel.

The condition, according to the American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society, is most common amongst athletes, runners and patients who have general calf tightness. A common method of treatment is to surgically repair the part of the damaged/diseased tendon, often by removing it and reattaching it to the bone of the heel, and including removal of bursas (painful fluid filled sacks).

This procedure often requires a long recovery time, up to many months, and is said to be quite painful too.

For these reasons and more, it is well worth it to consider acupuncture prior to going under the knife.

Why?

Well, according to the Healthcare Medicine Institute, acupuncture has been proven to be an effective treatment modality for disorders of the Achilles tendon. In fact, in a recent article they say, “Two clinical case histories were published by Dr. Hawks demonstrating that acupuncture is, ‘highly effective, with rapid results for both acute and chronic Achilles tendinopathy and was performed easily in an austere environment.’”

In both of these case studies, patients received targeted acupuncture therapy at specific acupuncture points, and angled into the Achilles tendon itself.  Electroacupuncture techniques were also used at 30 Hz for 15 minutes.

During an interview with patients, they are quoted as saying one, “was skeptical about getting acupuncture at first; however, after receiving acupuncture, he was ‘able to walk without a limp.’”

The overall takeaway of the study?

“Acupuncture speeds repair and assists in the return of normal functioning of the tendon. Additionally, acupuncture. Strengthens the tendons and may prevent exacerbations, aggravations and future injuries.”

We already know the healing abilities of the ancient practice, and these case studies only help to further prove that acupuncture should be considered as a noninvasive, alternative therapy prior to making nay surgical decisions.