The fibrous band of tissue that connects your lower leg’s back muscles to your heel bone is called the Achilles tendon. You benefit from it to lift you off the ground when walking or running. When it gets swollen or irritated, this tendon injury is known as Achilles tendonitis, which is severe heel discomfort.
Achilles tendonitis comes in two different forms. When the inflammation develops at the point where the tendon connects to the heel bone, it is known as insertional Achilles tendonitis. When the center of the tendon is more strained, it is known as non-insertional Achilles tendonitis.
Despite being the longest and strongest tendon in the body, the fact that it’s used for walking and moving about constantly causes a lot of wear and tear. When jumping, jogging, or performing quick, forceful actions, athletes frequently stress, even tear an Achilles tendon. Non-athletes are more prone to injure their Achilles tendons through improper footwear, an ankle twist, or rapidly increasing the intensity of a new workout regimen.
Achilles Tendonitis: Symptoms
• Tightness and soreness, especially in the morning, through the Achilles tendon that ends at the heel area.
• Tendon discomfort worsens with movement and after workouts.
• A noticeable swelling in the area.
• Trouble stretching the foot.
• Restricted range of motion.
• Swelling that gets worse with exercise.
Achilles Tendonitis: Prevention
By making the lower leg’s soft tissue more resilient to physical activity and movements, strengthening it can help lessen the risk of injury in this region. You can do the following to prevent Achilles tendon problems.
• Increasing Achilles tendon strength.
• Building up the calf muscles.
• Developing your foot muscles.
• When adding speed workouts or uphill training to your routine for running, you need to take extra caution to avoid overdoing it. Additionally, avoid working out hard on consecutive days as this cause a lot of stress.
Include low-impact cross-training exercises like swimming and cycling in your regimen as well. Achilles injuries can be further avoided with adequate preparation before these exercises. By doing so, you can maintain your fitness while easing the strain on your Achilles tendon.
If you think you have Achilles tendonitis or have questions or concerns about your feet, we are here to provide a solution. Here at Bay Podiatry Associates, our board-certified podiatrist Dr. Argirios Mantzoukas can help to diagnose and treat any foot or ankle issues you might be experiencing. To schedule an appointment at our Brooklyn, NY office, call us today at (718) 266-1986. Our office is at 8635 21st Avenue, Suite 1C, Brooklyn, NY, 11217.