Inflammation / Irritation

What's Achilles Tendinitis?

When suffering from an achilles tendon inflammation, the tendon running down from the calf muscle to the heel, is inflamed.

The achilles tendon is a very vulnerable spot and inflammation can be very painful. It hardly ever occurs suddenly, but gradually increases, making sports impossible.

This injury is very common and is very frequently persistent. Achilles' tendinitis is the cause of 6- 17% of all sports injuries! It is most common among marathon runners.

Causes

• A deviating foot position, which makes the foot roll inwards (overpronation)
• Moderate blood flow to the achilles tendon
• Wear (due to old age)
• Leg length discrepancy
• Overweight
• Unstable ankles
• Exercising on a hard surface
• Overuse due to stiffness in the calf muscles
• Sporting untrained
• Shoes that entrap the achilles tendon or do not provide sufficient cushioning

Complaints occurring when suffering from Achilles Tendinitis:

• It starts with pain and stiffness after sports, which decreases again.
• In the next stage, people will suffer from pain when starting and after an exercise.
• In severe cases, the pain also continues during exercise and maintains long after.
• In the most severe cases, pain can also increase during other daily activities (climbing the stairs).
• Pain can be present continuously despite sufficient rest.
• Swelling

Prevention of Achilles Tendinitis

Warming up correctly is crucial for sports. It is also better to train on a soft surface. Doing strengthening exercises while exercising is sensible. Always end your training with a cool-down (walking, stretching). Wear shoes with a lot of shock absorption, a healthy weight is also considerable.

Treatment of Achilles Tendinitis with an Achilles Tendon Support

To accelerate the recovery of an achilles tendon inflammation, rest is needed. So, not training and/or running for a week is recommended. You can also choose another sport where the achilles tendon is not burdened (swimming). A physiotherapist can help you with the right stretching exercises to strengthen your muscles in that area. Furthermore, massaging the calf muscle is good for preventing and treating Achilles Tendinitis. Wearing an Achilles Tendon Support is also recommended.