Olin Front
AchillesTendinitis

 

How to treat or prevent achilles tendinitis

A common sports injury in runners is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, or Achilles tendinitis. The Achilles tendon is the tendon for the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf and is responsible for plantar flexion of the foot (pointing the toes). Activities requiring repetitive plantar flexion that can lead to this type of overuse injury include running, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, and football. There are intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can play a role in this type of injury. Intrinsic factors would include age, decreased flexibility, decreased vascularity of the tendon, and malalignments of the foot or leg. Extrinsic factors would include changes in your training regimen such as increased distance or intensity, surface changes such as running on pavement or hills, or a change in footwear.

Symptoms
Symptoms of the condition include swelling at the Achilles tendon, pain along the tendon usually just above the heel, pain with going up stairs, pain at the beginning of a run which may get longer in duration or become intense enough to inhibit running altogether as the problem progresses.

Treatment
Some forms of treatment:

  • Eliminating the extrinsic factors (i.e. changing running surface or using different shoes)
  • Rest
  • Gentle stretching of the calf and Achilles
  • Decreasing training or using cross training Orthotics to correct foot malalignments
  • Heel lift - decreases the tension on the tendon, must be put in both shoes for balance
  • Icing - to decrease the inflammation
  • Physical Therapy - treatments of Ultrasound for the inflammation and a controlled strengthening and stretching program.


    • Prevention
    Preventing the problem in the first place is your best move. Things to consider are:

  • Proper warm-up
  • Stretching - keeping the muscles and tendons flexible reduces the tension on the tendon
  • Monitor footwear - replace shoes as they wear down, make sure they give good support. Running shoes that have a broad base may be better because they offer more stability
  • Be aware of the extrinsic factors - be sure to increase your training gradually. Don't do too much too soon.

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