Can I exercise with a brace for my achilles tendon
You can certainly exercise with an Achilles tendon brace if you want support and pain relief. This is something many athletes wonder when they have Achilles tendon problems. Fortunately, a brace can really help reduce the strain on your tendon and boost your recovery. But is it wise to continue exercising with a brace? And how does it actually work? Let's take a look.
What is an Achilles tendon injury?
Your Achilles tendon is the tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel. When this tendon becomes overloaded, for example through too much or too intense exercise, it can become irritated. This causes pain, often at the back of your foot. It can even swell up. This injury makes it difficult to move normally, especially when you use the tendon a lot, such as when running or jumping.
Can I exercise with an Achilles tendon brace?
Yes, you can often do so. A brace provides extra support and reduces the pressure on your Achilles tendon, which can relieve the pain. This often makes it easier to move and reduces the risk of further damage. However, you will not be able to do everything you did before right away.
You will need to adjust your training and take it easy. An Achilles tendon brace helps by:
- Providing support and reducing pressure on your Achilles tendon
- It helps you keep moving, but does not replace recovery
- You will need to adjust your training so that you do not put any further strain on the injury
- The brace ensures that you do not experience too much pain while exercising
Which brace is best for my Achilles tendon?
There are different types of braces and the best one for you depends on the severity of your injury and the sport you do. Some braces offer extra stability and are therefore ideal for intensive training. Other braces offer more freedom of movement and are suitable for less strenuous activities. If you do a lot of sports, such as running or football, you want a brace that fits well around your ankle and foot and provides the right support. It is important that your movements are not restricted.
A good brace ensures that your Achilles tendon is well supported, but that you still have enough freedom to move. Choose a brace that fits well, but that does not restrict your mobility too much during your sport.
What can you do yourself to recover faster?
A brace will certainly help, but there are other things you can do to speed up recovery. Consider wearing good Achilles tendon shoes that support your foot well, and stretch your calf muscles regularly. This promotes flexibility and aids recovery. It is also important not to resume intensive training too quickly. Start your sport gently and build up slowly.
Rest is crucial when recovering from an Achilles tendon injury. In addition to the brace, you can also do exercises to strengthen your calf muscles. This relieves the strain on your Achilles tendon and prevents the injury from recurring. So try the following:
- Wear shoes that provide good support for your Achilles tendon
- Stretch your calf muscles regularly to improve flexibility
- Build up your training slowly and avoid overexertion
- Make sure you get plenty of rest so that your Achilles tendon can heal properly
When should I stop exercising?
When you can resume exercising depends on how you feel. If the brace fits well and you are not in pain, you can carefully start with light activities. However, if you feel pain or discomfort, stop immediately. It is better to take a step back than to aggravate your injury. Patience is important during recovery. If you are unsure whether you can exercise yet, you can always consult a specialist. They can help you choose the right time to start again.
Exercise with a brace for support
So, you can exercise with an Achilles tendon brace, but it is important to use it wisely. The brace helps by reducing pain and providing support, but it is not a substitute for rest and recovery.
At Podobrace, we have several Achilles tendon braces that can promote your recovery. Choose the right brace for your situation, listen carefully to your body, and give your Achilles tendon enough time to heal. Do you have questions about one of our braces or recovery? Please feel free to contact us. Our specialists are happy to help you.
