The achilles tendon is a thick and strong band that connects your calf to your heel. The achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body but it can be very vulnerable to high forces and repetitive loads that are placed on it. An interesting fact, running can exert forces equivalent to 12 times someone’s body weight on the achilles tendon.
Repetitive stress can create micro tears to the tendon leading to inflammation and injury. Also, excessive stretch or forceful contraction of the calf muscles can lead to strain or rupture of the achilles tendon. The injury or damage to the tendon will typically occur at the heel or in the mid portion of the tendon which happens to be the weaker section.
Two-thirds of all Achilles tendon injuries involve athletes. Runners are up to 10 times more likely to suffer Achilles tendon problems. These injuries are most common in middle aged males ages 30-50 years old. Oftentimes, we will see achilles tendon injuries in individuals that begin new activities and ramp up intensity or volume too soon.
85% of individuals with achilles tendonitis experience excellent results with conservative care.
Some of the treatment options in our office include:
What can you do to help resolve your Achilles tendonitis?
- You may need to switch your activity. Temporarily limit or refrain from activities that are provoking your symptoms. Runners may need to switch to swimming or cycling.
- Avoid increasing intensity or volume of any activity by more that 10% each week. This will reduce the risk of excessive stress and allow your body the ability to recover.
- Proper warm-ups will help deliver blood to the muscles and tendons before activity. It will also prime the nervous system and improve muscle function.
- Avoid wearing high heels when dealing with pain. Heeled shoes will shorten your calves and this may increase strain on the tendon.
- Home strengthening and stretching of the calf musculature will improve your ability to absorb forces and limit stress on the tendon.