Inflammation / Irritation

Are you dealing with an inflamed Achilles tendon? This is a very painful and unfortunately common condition. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. One of the most frequent injuries associated with it is Achilles tendinitis. It accounts for 6 to 17% of all sports injuries, especially among runners.

What causes Achilles tendinitis?

The primary cause of Achilles tendinitis is overuse. This inflammation often develops in athletes—particularly runners. Other possible causes include:

• Foot misalignment, such as overpronation
• Poor blood circulation in the tendon
• Wear and tear due to aging
• Leg length discrepancy
• Being overweight
• Unstable ankles
• Exercising on hard surfaces
• Tight calf muscles leading to excess strain
• Engaging in intense sports activities without proper conditioning
• Wearing shoes that compress the tendon or lack proper cushioning
• Diabetes

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of Achilles tendinitis may include:

• Pain and stiffness after exercise, which may go away on its own at first
• Later stages may involve pain at the start of activity and after exercising
• In more severe cases, the pain may continue during exercise and long afterward
• Pain may also increase during daily activities like climbing stairs
• Persistent pain, even after adequate rest
• Swelling in the area of the tendon

How to prevent Achilles tendinitis

Start with a proper warm-up before any physical activity. Exercising on softer surfaces is highly recommended. Strengthening exercises for the calf muscles will also help reduce the risk of Achilles tendon problems. Massage can help relax the tendon, and wearing supportive sports shoes with proper shock absorption is essential. Gradually build up your training intensity to allow your body to adapt.

Treatment of Achilles tendinitis

To speed up recovery, rest is key. Consider switching to a low-impact activity, such as swimming, to avoid putting stress on the tendon. A physical therapist can help you with stretching and strengthening exercises for the surrounding muscles. Massaging the calf muscles is also beneficial for both preventing and treating Achilles tendinitis.

An Achilles tendon brace offers the right support and can significantly assist in your recovery.