Take Care of Your Achilles Tendons to Avoid Pain

If you’re suffering from a sharp pain in the area just above your ankle, then you could have inflamed Achilles tendons, a condition commonly known as Achilles tendonitis.

Here are some frequently asked questions on Achilles tendons and related pain:

What are the Achilles tendons?

The Achilles tendons are the strongest tendons in the body, connecting your calf muscles to the heel bones in your feet. The Achilles tendons must be strong because the Achilles tendons support the body’s weight during any activity, from walking and climbing to running and jumping.

Do the Achilles tendons have anything to do with the Greek warrior Achilles?

Yes, the Achilles tendons were named after the Greek warrior Achilles, who could only be mortally wounded in his heel. Achilles was one of the foremost leaders of the Trojan War in Greek mythology.

What causes the Achilles tendons to become irritated?

People most often irritate their Achilles tendons by not properly stretching. Fortunately, there are many stretching devices you can purchase to help make sure you always stretch out the Achilles tendons before AND after exercising.

Here are a few Achilles tendons stretching devices available at FootSmart:

• Step Stretch for Achilles Tendons, Plantar Fascia and Other Muscle Stretching:The patented rocker design of the Step Stretch holds the foot in the optimal position for proper stretching of muscles like the Achilles tendons. Just 3 repetitions of 30 seconds each will provide an effective way to help ease foot and lower body pain associated with plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendons inflammation, ankle and arch pain and other ailments.
• Double Step Stretch for the Proper Stretching of Achilles Tendons and Other Ligaments, Tendons and Muscles: This little stretcher does the same work as the original Step Stretch, but allows you to stretch the muscles in both legs – including the Achilles tendons – simultaneously.
• StretchRite Trainer for Achilles Tendons, Calf Muscles and More.Use the StretchRite Trainer for just a few minutes each day to correctly stretch leg, foot and calf muscles – especially the Achilles tendons. Proper stretching of muscles like the Achilles tendons can keep you more flexible and help you avoid injury.

What else can cause pain in the Achilles tendons?

Other factors that can contribute to inflamed Achilles tendons include the following:

• Rapidly increasing the frequency or intensity of athletic activity can cause irritated Achilles tendons.
• If you have flat feet or over-pronate (feet roll inward) when walking, then you’re at a high risk for inflaming the Achilles tendons.
• Wearing shoes that don’t stabilize your feet can harm the Achilles tendons.
• The condition leg length discrepancy, when one leg is longer than the other, can contribute to pain in the Achilles tendons.

How do you relieve painful Achilles tendons?

Here are some tips from The Podiatry Institute on easing inflamed Achilles tendons:

• If you feel pain in the Achilles tendons, you should temporarily stop your activity and rest.
• When resting, ice the Achilles tendons area or give the Achilles tendons area a massage. The Podiatry Institute recommends applying ice approximately three times a day for 20 minutes to help reduce inflammation of the Achilles tendons.
• Gently stretch and massage your calf muscles and Achilles tendons using a stretching aid.
• Use a heel lift in your shoes to help reduce the pull on the Achilles tendons and promote healing.

What are the best ways to avoid problems with Achilles tendons in the future?

If you want to prevent harming your Achilles tendons, the Podiatry Institute recommends the following:

• Consistently stretch your calf muscles before exercising or walking to avoid Achilles tendons pain.
• Use heel lifts and cushions in your shoes to help make sure you don’t inflame the Achilles tendons.
• Wear shoes that stabilize your feet during motion to help you avoid harming your Achilles tendons.

If you have already had an episode of Achilles tendonitis, you should ease back into exercise slowly, allowing time for your Achilles tendons to heal.

When should I see a doctor about my painful Achilles tendons?

If pain in your Achilles tendons persists, The Podiatry Institute says to consult a podiatrist, as chronic Achilles tendonitis may require physical therapy, cast immobilization or surgery in extreme cases.

Where can I purchase Achilles tendons products?

FootSmart has a wide selection of products to treat and prevent Achilles tendons pain here, including Achilles tendon straps, supports, sleeves and more.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like Achilles tendons pain provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on musculoskeletal health.