A shortened Achilles tendon is a tight Achilles tendon that limits movement in the foot and ankle. A shortened Achilles tendon can cause serious mobility restrictions, both during sports and in daily life, and in severe cases can make walking almost impossible. Common symptoms include stiffness, pain and reduced mobility when walking, exercising or climbing stairs.
Do you recognize these symptoms? Read about the causes and symptoms of Achilles tendon shortening and treat it in time with an Achilles tendon splint!
Bauerfeind AchilloTrain Achilles tendon brace (Renewed!)
€ 74,95
Ovation Step-Free Airheel Heel Spur Bandage
Original price was: € 64,95.€ 59,95Current price is: € 59,95.
Ovation Heelspur Night Splint
€ 59,45
GO Medical Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Comfort
€ 34,95
GO Medical Universal Heel Spur Night Splint
Original price was: € 34,95.€ 29,95Current price is: € 29,95.
Össur Formfit Heel Spur Night Splint
€ 83,95
Bauerfeind AchilloTrain Pro Achilles Tendon Support
DJO Aircast Airheel Heel Spur Support
Ovation Hybrid Compact Heel Spur Night Splint
€ 67,95
Basko Strassburg Heel Spur Sock
€ 44,95A shortened Achilles tendon means that the tendon at the back of your calf is shorter than normal in relation to the calf muscle and the heel bone. This can cause your foot to hang slightly downward and make it more difficult to move the foot upward, also called dorsiflexion. Due to this limitation in mobility, the foot can generate less force when walking and running, which often causes you to walk more on your toes. Over time, this can lead to overloading other muscles and joints and can affect your balance and stability.
A shortened Achilles tendon can have several causes. It often occurs during the growth phase when the body grows faster than the Achilles tendon can keep up. The result is that the ratio between the lower leg, ankle, and foot changes, causing the tendon to remain too short. In some cases, a person is even born with it. It is important to recognize and treat a shortened Achilles tendon in time, as this can prevent many problems later in life.
Symptoms that may indicate a shortened Achilles tendon include instability of the foot, pain during movement, and increased callus formation under the foot due to unnatural pressure distribution. People with a shortened Achilles tendon often walk on their toes, not only when running or exercising but also when walking normally or climbing stairs. Early intervention with stretching and mobilization exercises, possibly supported by braces or night splints, can improve tendon flexibility, increase ankle mobility, and significantly reduce the risk of future complaints.
An Achilles tendon brace is suitable for people with a shortened or irritated Achilles tendon who need extra support. The brace reduces tension on the tendon, relieves pain, and helps prevent overloading. It is suitable for daily use, sports activities, or during recovery after an injury and can contribute to a gradual improvement in mobility and flexibility of the calf muscles.
To lengthen the Achilles tendon, surgery can be considered. It is also possible to stretch the tendon and calf muscle passively. The products below mobilize your joint and stretch the Achilles tendon and calf musculature to the maximum, increasing joint mobility.
To prevent excessive strain on the tendon throughout the day and avoid having to walk on your toes all day, ProBrace offers silicone heel lifts.
It is also possible to stretch the tendon at night. This can be done passively using a night splint.
What are the symptoms of a shortened Achilles tendon? +
With a shortened Achilles tendon, you often notice stiffness, pain, and limited mobility in the ankle or foot. Other symptoms include difficulty standing on your toes, pain during sports such as running or jumping, and discomfort during daily activities like climbing stairs. A tight Achilles tendon can also cause additional tension in the calf or heel, significantly restricting mobility.
What is the cause of a short Achilles tendon? +
A short Achilles tendon can result from overuse, insufficient stretching of the calf muscles, or an earlier injury that did not fully heal. Prolonged sitting, improper footwear, or conditions such as heel spurs can also contribute to Achilles tendon shortening. Sometimes it is a congenital issue, but more often it develops gradually due to repeated stress on the tendon.
What is the treatment for a shortened Achilles tendon? +
The treatment of a shortened Achilles tendon focuses on increasing mobility and reducing pain. This is achieved through targeted stretching exercises, physiotherapy, and, if necessary, wearing an Achilles tendon splint or brace to relieve the tendon. In severe cases, a doctor may recommend additional treatments to lengthen the tight Achilles tendon and prevent further limitations.
Which exercises help with a shortened Achilles tendon? +
For a shortened Achilles tendon, mainly eccentric stretching and strengthening exercises for the calf and Achilles tendon are helpful. Examples include calf stretches against a wall, lowered heel stretches on a step, and controlled calf raises. Mobilization and flexibility exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist are also effective in lengthening the tendon and reducing discomfort during daily activities or sports.
Orliman Boxia Plus Drop Foot Support
10/10
Very fast order fulfillment, everything as described, it was exactly what I needed, it was a really good purchase
E un ottimo prodotto che aiuta a…
10/10
E un ottimo prodotto che aiuta a sostenere il piede in caso che bisogna ricuperare il movimento giusto.Il vostro prodotto e consigliato dalle migliori…
Useful brace
8/10
After several nights of use, I’m still getting used to the brace. It’s not comfortable to sleep in all positions, but the elbow pain…
First Class Service
10/10
Pro Brace is a very efficient and professional supplier of its products. It is a pleasure to do business with them
Your assist my request with very…
10/10
Your assist my request with very profesional response, detail in product expanation and diligently response
