Tendinitis in the Achilles tendon is an injury that heals quickly with proper care. The Mayo Clinic recommends strengthening the calf muscles to help take excess stress off the Achilles tendon while running. It is also best to alternate high and low impact exercise sessions. This allows you to maintain your fitness level while giving the Achilles tendon a rest.
Identification
The Achilles tendon is a connective tissue that runs from the heel bone and up the back of the leg to the calf muscle. Achilles tendinitis in runners is a sports injury that occurs when there is repetitive strain on the calf muscle and tendon, causing inflammation and swelling. Severe cases of Achilles tendinitis are those where the tendon tissue tears or ruptures.
Symptoms
The Mayo Clinic lists the main symptom of Achilles tendinitis as mild pain above the heel during or after running. The pain may be more severe during long or intense running sessions. There will be a noticeable tenderness with stiffness, commonly in the morning, because the tendon tightens while sleeping. You may also feel a small bump or swelling on the Achilles tendon. Tendinitis pain tends to start as a mild discomfort and increases in intensity over time.
Cause
According to Dr. Stephen Pribut, several factors contribute to the development of Achilles tendinitis. Increasing the intensity or duration of training runs or adding hill running too quickly are common causes as these put extra stress on the Achilles tendon. Poorly fitting shoes or worn out soles are also major contributors. Some people have an excessively tight posterior leg or calf muscle that does not stretch while running and increases the risk of developing tendinitis.
Considerations
Running trainer Jeff Galloway recommends resting the leg and tendon when Achilles pain occurs. Refrain from running for one week if you are able to walk through the pain. Ice the area twice a week for 10 minutes at a time to reduce inflammation. Wear comfortable shoes to lower the amount of stress placed on the tendon. Consult a doctor if you are unable to rise to your toes while standing as this may be the sign of an Achilles tear. Your doctor may require that you do not run for four to six week to give the tendon time to heal.
Warning
Dr. Stephen Pribut warns that the major contributor to an Achilles injury from running is ignoring the pain. It is best to stop running at the first sign of pain in the Achilles. Refrain from overstretching the Achilles tendon as this may worsen the injury. Focus your workouts on activities that do not stress the Achilles tendon, such as swimming and biking, until the tendon pain subsides. Always consult with your doctor if the pain persists or is intense.
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