Foot and leg injuries take time to heal. The problem is that not many people can stop walking and completely rest the foot until the injury is completely healed. Using supportive Achilles orthotics can help alleviate pressure on the injury and provide support during the healing process. Compression, or firm support through pressure, is a common element of Achilles tendon orthotics.
Support for the Achilles tendon comes in a variety of forms of orthotics. Achilles support socks use a compression design to encourage increased blood flow which is necessary for proper healing. An Achilles tendon is under pressure with every step a person takes. Achilles support socks help an injured Achilles tendon by reducing the pressure on the Achilles tendon.
The Achilles tendon socks can be uncomfortable. These compression socks do exert an amount of pressure on the leg which most people are not accustomed to. Some people may find Achilles tendonitis braces a better choice. Achilles tendonitis braces also use compression support. The wide strap around the ankle provides supportive pressure to alleviate the stress of walking with Achilles tendonitis, or Achilles tendonosis.
An Achilles tendonitis brace also has a strap that fits under the heel of the foot. This strap exerts upward pressure. This causes a lift of the heel that reduces the stress on the Achilles tendon. Padding is also part of most Achilles tendon braces to focus the compression on the appropriate places of the ankle.
A rigid Achilles tendonitis brace may be used to immobilize the injured Achilles tendon. The use of this type of Achilles tendon brace is usually only used for severe injuries or tears of the Achilles tendon. These could also offer support after surgery to repair a torn Achilles tendon.
For mild to moderate Achilles tendon injuries, an individual may want to try using a heel cup for Achilles pain. A heel cup, heel lift, or insole that provides extra lift and support of the heel can help support the Achilles tendon as it heels. Any injury to the Achilles tendon should be checked by a physician since a tear could require surgery in order to heal properly.
Using an Achilles tendon orthotic does not mean the injury is capable of sustaining the pressure of regular activity. The orthotics provide support which should not substitute appropriately resting the injury as the physician recommends. The individual should follow the physician’s orders during the healing process to prevent further injury to the Achilles tendon.
