Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis is a condition in which the Achilles tendon is injured. The Achilles tendon is the strong tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel. The calf muscles and the Achilles tendon lower the front of the foot after the heel hits the ground, and raises the heel as the toes push down before the step to the other foot. When the Achilles tendon is over extended significantly it will cause an injury to the Achilles tendon. When running or fast walking uphill or downhill it can put too much pressure on the Achilles tendon as this type of movement extends the distance the Achilles must move. Stiff soled shoes that do not bend also place greater stress on the Achilles tendon. Other factors that put severe stress on the Achilles tendon are bowlegs, tight hamstring muscles and high arches.

When there is pain and inflammation in the Achilles tendon from an injury, all running and fast walking should be discontinued until the injury heels. Other exercises are all right as long as they are not painful. If the Achilles tendon is not rested from running or speedy walking, scar tissue will develop on the tendon and eventually replace the tendon. However, once the scar tissue develops, the pain will be permanent and the tendon will not heal. After resuming running, to prevent recurrence of the injury there should be no uphill or downhill running and proper shoes with flexible soles and other corrections should be worn. To help with the treatment of the Achilles injury a doctor or trainer that is an expert on sports injuries should be consulted for the most effective treatment.

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