Achilles tendon injury in runners
Achilles tendonitis is one of the more common overuse problems in athletes who run a lot as part of their training routine, especially on the hard road surfaces. Injuries to the Achilles tendon injuries tend to heal more slowly as they don’t have their own direct blood supply and need to get their blood from osmosis from surrounding tissues. Older athletes tend to get this more often as their blood supply to the tendon is more affected. The most common location of the injury is 2-3 centimetres above the where the tendon inserts into the bone at the back of the heel.
Achilles tendonitis is usually caused by a combination of risk factors. Overuse, such as doing too much running is the most common risk factors. It could also be doing something like too much running too soon when they should be building up the distance more slowly. Calf muscles that are tight put more strain on the tendon and increase the risk for injury. Running shoes that are not appropriate or are worn out can also be a factor. Abnormalities or dysfunctions with foot biomechanics such as a foot that rolls inwards at the ankle joint can also increase the strain on the tendon.
The initial treatment for Achilles tendonitis is some sort of activity modification (like substituting swimming or cycling for the road running). The swelling needs to be reduced with ice and anti-inflammatory medication. The strain through the achilles tendon can be reduced with a heel raise. Achilles tendonitis foot orthotics are usually needed to improve the foot biomechanics and to make the running gait more efficient with less strain on the tendon. Running shoes will need to be assessed to see if they need replacing. It is essentail that the athlete stretches the calf muscles and continues to do this long term. A very gradual return to full running mileage needs to be carefully attempted or a recurrence is common.
Podiatry Arena has all the latest research on the Achilles tendon.
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