Briefly, it can consist of "inflammation (tendonitis) or, worse, a rupture of the Achilles tendon, the strong tendon structure that connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel."
In this article, the author will discuss the yarrow tendinopathy of the runner and the therapeutic and preventive advantages deriving from the use of kinesiologico® Taping.
, which give rise to "retractions", using specific techniques.The innovative kinesiological taping technique is based on the body's natural healing abilities, stimulated by the "activation of the" neuro-muscular "and" neuro-sensorial "system, according to the new concepts of neuroscience.
The method stems from the science of kinesiology. It is a mechanical and / or sensory corrective technique, which promotes better blood and lymphatic circulation in the area to be treated.
In the rehabilitation phase, Neurotaping is applied to improve blood and lymphatic circulation, to reduce excess heat and chemicals present in the tissues, and to mitigate inflammation with synergistic action with conventional therapies.
Furthermore, Kinesiology® Taping aims to:
- Activate the analgesic-endogenous systems;
- Stimulate the spinal inhibitory system and the descending inhibitory system;
- Correct joint problems;
- Reduce inaccurate alignments caused by spasms and shortened muscles;
- Normalize muscle tone and fascia abnormality in the joints;
- Improve the ROM.
Finally, Kinesiological Taping® is used as a complement in osteopathy, chiropractic, manual therapies and physical therapies.
Kinesiological Taping Method
The Neurotaping application technique, which by addressing the "imbalances" of the organism in a global way, tries to re-establish the correct functional balance, in a global and three-dimensional view of the body (balance).
Kinesiologico® Taping: When To Use It?
"Kinesiological Taping® must be seen as an adjunct therapy, which helps in the rehabilitation process and not as an elective therapy, regardless of whether the diagnosis must be corrected." *
The initial observation phase of the patient is very important for the success of the bandage with the kinesiologico® Taping method, always respecting the principle of globality.
This method is based on the application of an elastic tape that stimulates the natural healing process, assisting the body in activating the physiological processes of the traumatized tissues, restoring it to a state of health.
All organisms have an innate (genetically determined) capacity for self-regulation which allows the achievement of a homeostatic balance and the possibility of self-healing.
In response to external aggression, the body begins a "repair-remodeling" process through the inflammatory response.
* Taken from the book: R. Bellia - F. Selva Sarzo - "Kinesiological taping in sports traumatology - practical application manual" ed. Alea Milano - 2011.
of the musculoskeletal system, the Achilles tendon is by far the structure most affected by inflammatory and degenerative pathologies.
Fredericson cites an "incidence of yarrow tendinopathy ranging between 6.5 and 11% of injuries among runners."
Also Novacheck, citing a study carried out on 180 walkers by James and Jones, reports a percentage presence of yarrow tendonitis equal to 11% of the lesions.
McCrory et al. affirm that lesions affecting the Achilles tendon represent 5-18% of total running-related disorders, thus becoming the most frequent syndrome of overuse (functional overload) of the lower limb.
Regarding the rupture of the Achilles' tendon, Lanzetta reports that it usually occurs in males between 25 and 50 years of age, who practice recreational and sporting activities.
Furthermore, in 90% of cases, the tendon rupture is the consequence of a sudden muscle contraction associated with an elongation of the muscle-tendon complex.
Achilles tendon: Anatomy and Physiology
Tendons represent the strongest component of the muscle-tendon unit and their main purpose is to transmit the forces generated by the muscle to the bone levers.
Regarding the Achilles tendon, it should be remembered that it is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body.
It is estimated that it is able to withstand loads that can reach 300 kg; in other words, this means that the Achilles tendon during the race is loaded with a value equal to at least 6-8 times the body weight.
Also known as the heel tendon, the Achilles tendon originates from the fusion of the aponeurosis of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles (calf muscles).
It is a ribbon-like anatomical structure, consisting of collagen fibrils, interposed between the sural triceps (gastrocnemius + soleus) and the calcaneus and responsible for the transmission of mechanical impulses deriving from the muscular contraction of the calf to the skeletal segment, creating a joint movement of fundamental importance: the push of the foot.
In addition to this fundamental task, it exerts a buffer function against maximal voluntary and / or involuntary muscle contraction.
Furthermore, it should not be forgotten that the sural triceps has a force vector which, in addition to causing plantar flexion, also induces a supination of the foot due to its centro-medial insertion on the heel and the rotation of its fibers.
The triceps sural is considered the major supinator and stabilizer of the rear foot; in addition to this, during the walk, it is activated above all in the central part of the stance phase to control the advancement of the tibia on the tarsus.
The gastrocnemius-soleus complex represents four fifths of the volume of the leg and this consistency translates, in functional terms, into an ability to absorb shocks both at the tendon and muscle level.
The muscle-tendon unit crosses three joints (knee, ankle, subtalar) thus predisposing itself to a high incidence of injuries.
From a postural point of view, the axis of the Achilles tendon creates an angle with the vertical that goes from 1 ° to 5 ° of inversion. Clinical observation of this angle is often done to have an indication of the position of the ankle joint and the subtalar joint.
, poor hydration (as shown by a Japanese study), antibiotic treatments (iatrogenic cause), inadequate footwear, imbalance in the breech load, intensification of training after a period of forced rest, stiffening of the tendon after cortisone infiltrative treatment, etc.
Edited by Professor Rosario Bellia
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