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Achilles Pain
Achilles TendonitisThis is a painful condition that affects the achilles tendon. The achilles tendon connects the heel of the foot to the calve muscle. Achilles tendonitis causes pain during activity and also increases pain after activity. People who suffer from this condition will sometimes notice that the soles of shoes wear out quickly in the heel region.
Causes Of Achilles Pain
Achilles pain normally occurs from shearing, stretching forces placed on the achilles tendon.
Excessive activity or a sudden increase in activity can lead to achilles tendonitis.
Women who exercise by running are increasing the risk of developing achilles tendonitis, as studies have shown that women who wear high heeled shoes, effectively shorten the achilles tendon. Then when the individual takes up running in flat footwear, the achilles tendon is put under strain.
Over pronation can also lead to achilles tendonitits.
The biggest contributing factor is ignoring pain in the tendon.
Treatment of Achilles Pain
Reduce hill and speed running, reduce any ongoing training programme.
Avoid excessively flat shoes and avoid walking bare foot as much as possible.
High quality insoles with built in heel pads will help reduce the pressure on the achilles tendon.
Sports insoles are highly recommended to speed up recovery.
In very severe cases where the achilles tendon has ruptured, then surgery will be necessary.