While running is one of the healthiest exercises, you may occasionally overdo it by running too much or simply running too hard. An Achilles strain is a frequent complaint doctors hear from both professional and amateur runners. Some people experience Achilles strains only periodically and do not need to seek medical treatment. However, if chronic Achilles strains plague you, a doctor's attention may be needed to ensure something more severe hasn't happened to the tendon.
Achilles Tendon
Tendons are tough slivers of tissue that connect muscle to the bone it controls; it works in association with that muscle to produce movement. As the largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, giving you the ability to walk, jump, stand on your toes and, of course, run. It is also one of the strongest tendons, possessing the capacity to withstand extreme, repetitive forces, including those you experience when participating in long-distance running and jumping activities.
Achilles Tendon Strains
Strains to the Achilles tendon occur from running or walking uphill, excessive training on hard surfaces, rapid stair climbing, attempting to carry heavy weights for extended periods and consistently wearing high heels. Abruptly increasing your speed while running or not properly warming up muscles before engaging in vigorous exercise can also strain an Achilles tendon. In addition, this tendon begins to weaken as you age and may not be able to withstand the amount of physical activity you previously engaged in.
Achilles Tendon Strains Symptoms
This tendon experiences sprains, tears and ruptures, with ruptures being the worst type of injury. When you experience a rupture, you may actually feel a tear or "snap" in your calf, followed by abrupt, severe pain in the area of the tearing sensation. You may not feel pain from a simple strain until the following day, when you get up and feel stiffness and pain while walking or standing still, or both. Bruising does not generally emerge with this type of strain, but minor swelling may occur at the site of the injury.
Treatment
Ice packs are the favored treatment for runners suffering from Achilles tendon sprains. Taking anti-inflammatory, over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen reduces swelling and pain. More importantly, staying off the tendon and avoiding activities like running or stair climbing facilitate healing of the tendon. If you continue excessive physical activity, your Achilles tendon could rupture, requiring application of a cast or even surgery, with recovery time possibly being as long as several months. Check with your doctor before taking up running gradually again, which will strengthen the muscle once the tendon has healed.
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