Did you know that the Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in your body? It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it’s essential in activities like walking, running, and jumping.
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of your Achilles tendon. It happens when the tendon gets irritated and inflamed — and if you’ve recently increased your workout intensity or mileage, you might have noticed tenderness or stiffness along the back of your leg, above your heel.
It's a frustrating condition that can slow down your training regimen, but there's light at the end of the tunnel. Our team at Manhattan Orthopedics specializes in sports medicine and Achilles tendinitis treatment, and we’re here to help you safely return to your favorite activities.
When you take a step, your Achilles tendon contracts, pulling on your heel bone and helping your foot lift and propel forward. Tendinitis develops when the tendon gets irritated — and as a runner, you're particularly susceptible to Achilles tendinitis because running causes repetitive stress.
Overuse or sudden changes in training intensity are common triggers for Achilles tendinitis. Other factors that can exacerbate irritation include improper footwear, tight calf muscles, and a lack of flexibility.
Common symptoms of Achilles tendinitis are:
Achilles tendinitis symptoms often start slowly. Though it can be tempting to ignore the discomfort at first, continuing to run can escalate the problem and ultimately delay healing.
Now, onto the pressing question: Is it safe to continue running with Achilles tendinitis? In short, no.
Running through the pain can worsen the inflammation, leading to more severe damage and potentially sidelining you for a longer period. Instead, you should seek a professional diagnosis and proper treatment as soon as possible.
If you have a running injury, our orthopedic team is here to help you get back on your feet safely. Treatment options for Achilles tendinitis typically include a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E.). We may also prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen to help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
What’s the most important aspect of your recovery? You must modify your running routine to avoid further tendon irritation. We work with you to develop a structured rehabilitation program, during which you progressively increase exercise intensity, and we closely monitor any signs of discomfort.
Resting, and then gradually reintroducing activity, helps you avoid worsening tendinitis. Cross-training activities, like swimming or cycling, can help you maintain cardiovascular fitness without putting excessive strain on your Achilles tendon.
We can also address underlying biomechanical issues through physical therapy exercises. Customized exercises and stretches can help you build strength, improve flexibility, and reduce strain on the tendon once you return to running.
Remember, patience is essential during the recovery process. Rushing back into running too soon can result in setbacks and prolong your recovery time, so listen to your body and follow our guidance to return to running safely.
Dealing with Achilles tendinitis as a runner is frustrating, but with the right approach, you can completely overcome it. Call our offices in Astoria, Brooklyn, and Manhattan, New York, or book an appointment online. Start your journey to running with less pain and more confidence.
