Many joggers suffer from Achilles tendinitis, or tendinitis of the heel. The Achilles tendon, also called the heel cord, is located just above your heel on the back of your foot. This flexible, fibrous, rope-like tendon connects the back of your heel to your calf muscles, helping your foot to push off of the ground with every step you take. Achilles tendinitis tends to plague joggers because running puts a lot of repetitive stress on your feet. Indeed, according to Harvard Health Publications, Achilles tendinitis is to blame for about 15 percent of all running injuries.
Tendinitis Symptoms
Achilles tendinitis typically starts out with mild symptoms that gradually worsen over time. Common tendinitis symptoms include experiencing minor pains or aches in your lower leg just above your heel. This pain often becomes more severe with prolonged jogging sessions. The affected tendon might feel slightly swollen, stiff or sore after jogging. The skin above the affected tendon might feel warm or swollen. You might have trouble standing on your toes or experience weakness in the affected leg.
Causes
Jogging puts a lot of intense and repeated strain on your Achilles tendons, which can result in your tendons becoming swollen, inflamed or irritated. Achilles tendinitis can also occur because you have a poor running technique or wear running shoes that don't fit you properly. Some joggers develop tendinitis when they start intense training programs after not running for a while. You have an increased risk of suffering from Achilles tendinitis if you overpronate when you run. Overpronation means that your feet roll in when you jog, which rolls your lower legs inward and puts additional stress on your Achilles tendons.
Medical Treatment
Consult your doctor if you think you have Achilles tendinitis. He will examine your tendon to make sure it isn't torn. Some physicians order MRI scans or X-rays to ensure that patients don't have any partial tears or fractures. Your doctor might give you corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation around your Achilles tendon. Some doctors recommend wearing orthopedic footwear or using crutches to keep the stress off of the affected tendon. Torn Achilles tendons require surgery to repair the ruptures.
Home Treatment
A majority of Achilles tendinitis cases can be treated at home with simple, self-care strategies. Stop jogging for a while to give your tendon time to heal properly. Place ice packs on your affected tendon for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day and whenever you feel tendinitis pain. Take an over-the counter anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen or naproxen to reduce pain and swelling. Stretch your muscles every day to keep your Achilles tendons and your calf muscles flexible and strong. Harvard Health Publications notes that tendinitis symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to several months, depending on the severity of the condition and how well you treat it.
Preventing Tendinitis
The TeensHealth website suggests that you reduce your risk of developing Achilles tendinitis by always warming up before your jogging sessions. Wear running shoes that don't dig into your Achilles tendon and that offer your feet proper support. Serious joggers should get a professional to help them select high-quality running shoes. Avoid running on hard surfaces like asphalt or concrete. Jog on synthetic tracks, grass or dirt trails instead. Strengthen and develop your calf muscles to help your Achilles tendon better handle the impact stresses that occur with jogging.
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