Heel pain can be one of the most frustrating problems you can face – particularly when it affects your everyday life. Be it as an athlete, or a person who spends a lot time on their feet, or a person dealing with chronic discomfort, Achilles tendon and heel pain can affect not only the biomechanics of mobility, but also mood and overall quality of life. Luckily, there are remedies and treatments that can help you find pain relief.
The Achilles tendon is the largest, strongest tendon.
When Aaron Rodgers went down with an Achilles tendon injury minutes into his debut with the New York Jets, the sports world erupted in debate. Was the unforgiving turf to blame? Or was it bad luck? As your trusted Houston podiatrist, we break down the science, the risks, and what you can do to protect your feet; whether an NFL star or a weekend warrior.
Did you know the Achilles tendon can handle forces up to 10 times your body weight when you run or jump? But when this powerhouse tendon tightens or causes pain, it can turn everyday movements into a struggle.
If you have been dealing with Achilles tendon pain or have been told you might need Achilles tendon surgery, you probably have questions. What warrants Achilles tendon lengthening surgery? What’s the recovery like? Will you need special shoes afterward?
Let us break it all down.
Achilles tendon pain can feel like a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel, and can worsen with activity.
movement, enabling us to walk, run, jump, and push off with ease. However, its critical role in mobility makes it susceptible to injuries ranging from mild pain to severe ruptures. In this article, we’ll explore the anatomy of the Achilles tendon, causes of pain, injuries, treatments, and prevention strategies, answering key questions like “Where is the Achilles tendon located?” and “Does Achilles tendonitis go away?”
Running enthusiasts should cross-train. It may help you avoid injuries by strengthening the muscles that sustain your runs. Moreover, it may also assist you in training while you recover if you do get a running injury.
The achilles tendon is known to be the largest tendon in your body that extends from calf muscles to the bones of the heel. You can feel it at the back of your ankle and above your heel. To feel the achilles tendon at work, while on your feet, point your toes to the floor and raise the tips of your toes. Injuries to this tendon are often associated with mild or moderate pain or sudden stiffness in that part of the leg. In severe cases of achilles tendon pain, it may be because the tendon is torn or possibly ruptured.
Causes of Injuries To The Achilles Tendon
The injury is common if someone is engaging in activities that require quick sprints, slow downs or pivots. Some of these activities are dancing, football, tennis, volleyball, softball, gymnastics, running, etc. Furthermore, repetitive strain of achilles tendon have been known to be a common cause of injury to the achilles tendon.
The achilles tendon connects to the achilles heel. The achilles heel bone can become tender with age and this increases the probability of an injury to the bone or tendon. This scenario is typically more severe for athletes that participate in quick movement sports.
How to prevent a foot injury to the achilles tendon?
To prevent an achilles tendon injury, some measures can be taken:
Daily stretching – It is necessary to stretch the calf muscles and achilles tendon daily to prevent injuries to this part of the leg. This will also improve your flexibility.
Increase activity level slowly – With regular physical activity, the likelihood of experiencing pain from achilles tendon is very slim
Strengthen calf muscles – Strong muscles help the calf and achilles tendon to handle sudden stress caused by exercise or similar activities.
Take it easy – Try to keep away from activities that can cause stress to your calf muscles and achilles tendon. Warm-up first before you try any strenuous activity.
Choose shoes carefully – Choose the right shoes when exercising. Choose shoes that have suitable cushioning to reduce stress to your feet. Replace worn-out shoes. Finally, if the shoe is not comfortable, do not use it to exercise.
Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
If you are dealing with Achilles tendonitis, the following steps can help alleviate the pain:
Rest the injured leg as much as you can and do not put weight on the leg.
Ice it for at least twenty minutes and also do some stretches to avoid pain from the tendon.
Compress your injured leg with the help of elastic bandages around the lower leg and ankle to reduce the chances of swelling.
You can take anti-inflammatory medicines which should help with pain and swelling. Take medicine only after consulting with a physician as it is necessary to use the right dosage
While resting, try elevating your leg to get some relief.
Try wearing heel lifts. Heel lifts in shoes give relief from achilles tendonitis pain.
