Pain in the heel during or after running is a sign of tendonitis in the Achilles tendon. This is your body trying to tell you something, and can turn into a serious problem when ignored. Learn the symptoms and following prevention techniques help reduce to reduce pain in the heels and the risk of injury.
Identification
The Achilles tendon is a connective tissue that attaches at the heel bone and runs up the leg to the calf muscle. Pain in this tendon occurs when there is excessive or repetitive stress to the calf or ankle, causing the tendon to inflame and swell. Most people feel initial pain in the heel, where running stresses the tendon. Runners that ignore repetitive pain in their heel may cause the tendon to tear or rupture.
Symptoms
According to Mayo Clinic, tendon pain in the Achilles area after running has the symptoms of mild burning and pain above the heel. Severe pain may occur during long running sessions or speed training with sprints. The ankle and tendon area may be stiff, especially in the morning after a period of rest. Some cases of tendon pain include a small bump or swelling along the tendon. The pain may start as a mild discomfort and gradually increase over time, if ignored. Symptoms of sudden pain in the heel, the inability to bend the foot down or cannot place weight on the heel or foot is a sign of a more serious condition and requires immediate attention.
Treatment
Alleviate pain in the heel and tendon area by resting the legs, icing the area and taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication. Contact your doctor if the pain in the Achilles tendon area does not go away with rest and these at-home treatments. The diagnosis indicates whether the problem is tendonitis or something more severe. A doctor will give the appropriate treatment to get the heel back in running condition.
Prevention
Reduce the risk of tendon pain while running by increasing running duration and intensity gradually. Long distance runners often uses the 10 percent rule, which recommends increasing distance by 10 percent or less each week to prevent injury. Include cross training and strength training as part of a weekly workout schedule. These activities help to build over-all body strength and reduce stress on the heels and tendons while running. Avoid running at the first sign of pain in the tendon and give the heel a rest to prevent injury.
