Achilles tendon problem - ultrasound?

I have a problem with my achilles tendon on my right leg. The tendon is very tender at the base where it joins the foot. There is not too much pain when I walk but running is a no go, as I don't have any 'spring' in my step, and is too painful.
Also, If I walk for a little while and then rest (i.e sit down) the top of the tendon where it joins my calf muscle really tightens up and is then painful for a little while the next time I walk.

I'm currently having a course of accupuncture at my local nhs hospital, which is undoubltably having a positive effect on the muscles in my leg but unfortunately is not reducing the pain at the base of my tendon.

I have had ultrasound treatment in the past but it didn't seem to do much good either. The sessions were at least always one week apart sometimes 10 days or even two weeks. I'm not sure if the gap between each seesion made them ineffective?
What is the recommended length between ultrasound sessions?
How safe safe is ultrasound and how often can you have it?
Are the 1MHz home ultrasound units any good or just a waste of time?

Also,
What other forms of treatment for this kind of injury are available - excluding surgery.
I know that it is not a good idea to have steriod injections into the achilles due to them being weakened by this, but I've heard something about bathing the tendon in cortisone or something - can anyone explan this?

Many Thanks - I hate this nagging Achilles tendon pain!!!

Richard.

Hi Richard,

If the tendon is enlarged and painful to the touch I would treat with deep transverse frictions and lots of stretching. You need to ensure you strtch both calf muscles and do it effectively.

If the pain is at the insertion of the tendon onto the calcaneum, then I would try ultrasound, but would recommend treatment at least every 2 days.

u didnt mention ur ocupation,we dont know what type of work u r doing,then u didnt give proper history of pain and ur symptoms.u r sticking to achilles tendon,did u rule out any other disease,and also have u taken any investigation reports like xray or anything.without this information hw can we suggest exercise programme

Hi Richard
I have only noticed your post after asking the same questions. I have heard of shock wave therapy which is stronger than ultra sound. A friend had it done and the problem went away after 3 visits. However, she did it through private health at £180 a visit!!!!! If anyone know of a therapist who can provide this treatment at a more reasonable price please let me know !!
Kerry Anley