Several issues might be responsible for having Achilles tendon pain while running. Running and other high-impact activities can affect your Achilles tendon, causing inflammation, tearing and injury. Your doctor can properly diagnose and treat the source of your Achilles tendon pain as well as recommend alternative exercises to running.
Causes
The main causes of Achilles tendon pain include Achilles tendinopathy, and an Achilles tendon tear or rupture, according to the University of Michigan Health System. A partial tear or complete rupture of your Achilles tendon can cause pain and loss of movement, while Achilles tendinopathy can involve two conditions -- Achilles tendonitis or Achilles tendinosis. Achilles tendonitis involves inflammation of your Achilles tendon, while Achilles tendinosis is caused by microtears in the tendon tissue without inflammation. Achilles tendonitis typically won't cause noticeable pain, but Achilles tendinosis is painful and caused by overuse like excessive running.
Factors
Changes in the duration or intensity of running can cause Achilles tendon pain, usually due to progressive microtears in the tendon, according to the University of Michigan Health System. These small tears often heal slowly or might not heal completely. Running too much, adding hills suddenly to your running routine or running too fast can all cause this pain. The key to treating your Achilles tendon pain is don't ignore it, advises the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Because running is one of the leading causes of Achilles tendon problems, you should stop running until your doctor says you can resume the exercise.
Prevention/Solution
Wearing proper footwear, improving the flexibility and strength of your calf muscles, and warming up and cooling down properly before and after running can help to prevent Achilles tendon pain, according to the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. If you're experiencing Achilles tendon pain, your doctor will likely tell you to stop running for a set period of time, which could last for weeks or even months. You might need to undergo a physical exam, X-rays and an MRI scan to diagnose the cause of your tendon pain. In addition to resting your Achilles tendon, your physician might advise you to take over-the-counter pain medicine and perform stretching exercises. A more serious Achilles tendon problem such as a tear or rupture could require surgery or immobilization, accompanied by physical therapy. You might have to wear a splint, brace, cast or walking boot until the tendon heals.
Considerations
If you have a relatively mild problem with your Achilles tendon that's causing you pain, your doctor might allow you to continue exercising, but probably not running. Overuse of an already weakened or tight Achilles tendon can increase your chances of developing Achilles tendonitis, as well as an injury like a tear or rupture, warns the University of Maryland Medical Center. You might need to switch from running to lower-impact types of exercise if you have a tendon problem such as Achilles tendinopathy. While you're resting your Achilles tendon, you could try using a rowing machine or an elliptical trainer. These machines can help you to maintain your muscle strength and fitness while reducing the impact on your Achilles tendon.
