Spot and Stop Achilles Tendonitis Pain

Are you suffering from Achilles tendonitis pain and looking for ways to relieve Achilles tendonitis pain? Do you just want to gather information on Achilles tendonitis? If so, FootSmart can help with both information and products designed to relieve and prevent Achilles tendonitis. Best of all, you know you're reading reputable Achilles tendonitis facts, since all our information comes straight from The Podiatry Institute.

One of the most common causes of Achilles tendonitis is forgetfulness: You decided to exercise, but forgot to stretch your calf muscles. If you are now experiencing a sharp pain just above your ankle, then you could have Achilles tendonitis.

The Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Named after the Greek warrior who could only be mortally wounded in his heel, the Achilles tendon supports your body’s weight during exercise and everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs. When the Achilles tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, you may experience a sharp, constant pain just above your heel. If you’re experiencing this pain, you most likely have Achilles tendonitis.

Why Do I Have Achilles Tendonitis?

As mentioned above, tight calf muscles due to poor stretching or a too rapid increase in the frequency or intensity of athletic activity typically cause Achilles tendonitis.

The following conditions and factors can also lead to Achilles tendonitis:

• Flat feet or over-pronation during walking or running can lead to Achilles tendonitis.
• Shoes that don’t stabilize your feet can cause you to develop Achilles tendonitis pain.
• Leg length discrepancy, when one leg is longer than the other, can eventually result in Achilles tendonitis.

Know How to Spot the Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is characterized by a sharp or burning pain about two inches above the heel bone of the foot. Achilles tendonitis pain can be accompanied by mild to moderate swelling. Some people who have Achilles tendonitis long-term may notice additional symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, including:

• Thickening of the tendon compared to the other leg is a possible symptom of Achilles tendonitis.
• A crackling sound with movement of the ankle can go along with Achilles tendonitis.
• Tiny lumps along the tendon, caused by scar tissue that has formed around the tendon, are a possible result of Achilles tendonitis.

Relieve and Prevent Achilles Tendonitis Pain

Find relief from Achilles tendonitis pain by following these suggestions from The Podiatry Institute:

• Achilles Tendonitis Pain Relief Tip #1: Temporarily stop the activity that caused the pain (running, excessive walking, etc.).
• Achilles Tendonitis Pain Relief Tip #2: Ice and/or massage the painful area. Apply ice approximately three times a day for 20 minutes to help reduce inflammation of the tendon.
• Achilles Tendonitis Pain Relief Tip #3: Gently stretch and massage your calf muscle using a stretching aid.
• Achilles Tendonitis Pain Relief Tip #4: Use a heel lift in your shoes to help reduce the pull on the tendon and promote healing.
• To avoid future problems with Achilles tendonitis, try the following:
• Avoid the Pain of Achilles Tendonitis - Tip #1 - Consistently stretch your calf muscles before exercising or walking.
• Avoid the Pain of Achilles Tendonitis - Tip #2 - Wear shoes that stabilize your feet during motion. Remember, an ideal support shoe has a firm heel counter, wide enough toe box to accommodate toes without pinching, a semi-rigid or rigid shank, a long vamp, a heal measuring between 3/4 and 1 1/2 inches (no high heels) and a removable inner sole.
• Avoid the Pain of Achilles Tendonitis - Tip #3 - Use heel lifts and other insoles in shoes to give your feet more cushioning and support.
• Avoid the Pain of Achilles Tendonitis - Tip #4 - If you find yourself recovering from Achilles tendonitis, ease back into exercise slowly, giving yourself enough time to heal.

If the pain persists, The Podiatry Institute recommends consulting a podiatrist, as chronic Achilles tendonitis may require physical therapy, cast immobilization or even surgery in extreme cases.

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