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Tendon Pain
Among the several kinds of tendon injuries prevalent, Achilles Tendonitis is the most commonly occurring one.
Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis is a condition wherein the Achilles tendon, at or near its insertion to the posterior aspect of the calcaneus, becomes inflamed and causes pain. The Achilles tendon is one of the longest and strongest tendons in the body.
The Achilles tendon is formed in the lower third of the posterior aspect of the tibia. Two muscles join to form the Achilles tendon: The Gastrocnemius which originates on the posterior aspect of the femur, and the Soleus which originates on the posterior aspect of the upper third of the tibia. It is avascular and therefore slow to heal.
Causes
Overuse
There are several types of overuse injuries that may develop in the achilles tendonthis region as a result of the repeated pounding from running.
Excess Training
Excess training is the overall recurring theme that leads to overuse running injuries with inadequate recovery. he more that excess and inadequate deviate from the usual training routine the less time it takes for an overuse injury to develop.
Surface
The harder the running surface the greater the shockwave. Soft grass, smooth dirt, asphalt, and concrete represent, in order of increasing “hardness”, the usual spectrum of commonly encountered running surfaces. Concrete is very hard on the body and training on this surface should be avoided.
Intrinsic factors
- Age
- Decreased flexibility
- Decreased vascularity of the tendon
- Misalignments of the foot or leg
Extrinsic factors
- Changes in your training regimen such as increased distance or intensity
- Surface changes such as running on pavement or hills
- Change in footwear
Symptoms
- Swelling at the Achilles tendon
- Pain along the tendon usually just above the heel, pain with going up stairs
- Pain at the beginning of a run which may get longer in duration
Prevention
The Achilles tendon is avascular and therefore slow to heal so preventing it from occurring is the best move.