Anyone experiencing pain or discomfort in their Achilles tendon often researches the many causes of tendon tension before consulting with a medical professional. Tendons are groups of tissue that connect muscles to bones. The Achilles tendon, one of the larges tendons in the body, connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Patients experiencing discomfort often experience pain walking or inflammation. Frequent activity, inappropriate shoes and rolling of the foot are the leading causes of tendon tension. Individuals experiencing any of the mentioned symptoms are encouraged to seek medical consultation.
Frequent Activity
Activities such as exercise, repetitive steps or jogging can cause tension in the Achilles tendon. According to Buzzle.com, frequent activity can cause a micro-injury in the tendon fibers as a result of too much pressure in a short amount of time. Tendon tension can result in major injury to the Achilles tendon causing inflammation and pain. Individuals experiencing this pain are encouraged to take a break from the strenuous activity to ease the tension in the tendon. If injured tendon shows no sign of healing or reduced swelling, medical attention is required to prevent serious tendon damage. Over the counter pain medication can control the pain levels caused by tendon tension prior to seeking medical attention.
Inappropriate Shoes
Choosing the right shoe size is an important factor in controlling pain caused in the Achilles tendon or preventing tendon tension. According to Drfoot.com, excessive heel cushioning can cause Achilles tendonitis. Shock absorbent shoes often cause more damage than assistance due to the shifting frequency of pain. These types of shoes often provide additional air or cushion in the tendon area absorbing the tension caused when the shoe makes contact with a hard surface. The shock caused by the ground often carries throughout the Achilles tendon causing the tendon to become stretched. Medical specialists are able to measure the height of the foot arch to determine the best shoe structure to prevent further damage. Supporting the arch of the foot is the key to shock absorption, tendon tension or permanent tendon damage.
Rolling Over Foot
Forcing the Achilles tendon to stretch by rolling over the foot is one of the leading causes of tendon tension. Standing still and simply rolling the tendon back can cause permanent damage to the Achilles tendon and calf muscle. Medical specialists recommend special exercises or medication to assist in pain control as a result of any damage caused by rolling over the foot. While walking or jogging, it is encouraged to make a full step connecting the front of the foot to the ground shortly followed by the heel of the foot to prevent damage caused by uneven weight distribution. Medical specialists also discourage walking barefoot and excessive wear of flat shoes. Providing arch support is important in preventing permanent damage caused to the tendon or calf muscles. Individuals experiencing pain caused by this action are encouraged to seek medical attention immediately to determine the damage caused, preventative steps required, and suggested products for recovery.
