Sore Heel Could be Achilles Tendinitis.

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Achilles Tendinitis.

When the tendon that connects the two major calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus) to the back of the heel is under too much stress, the tendon tightens and is forced to work too hard. When that happens the tendon will become inflamed and if it continues over a period of time, scar tissue can form. That in turn makes the tendon less flexible (scar tissue is not nearly as flexible) than before and if the Achilles continues to be stressed, it can actually rupture.

A condition no runner would ever want to happen! Is there help before it gets that bad? Yes!

But first lets talk about what the symptoms which are; a dull or sharp pain anywhere along the back of the tendon, but usually close to the back of the heel. (Not the bottom of the foot) Limited ankle flexibility. Redness or heat over the painful area. A lump or lumpy build up that can be felt on the tendon. Sometimes there will be a cracking sound as the scar tissue rubs against the tendon.

What cause this condition? Well, it may be several things or even a combination of things.

For example; tight or fatigued calf muscles which transfer too much burden of running to the Achilles. This may be brought on by lack of stretching your calf muscles after your work outs or runs. Or by increasing your mileage too suddenly. Or simply overtraining.

Perhaps excessive hill running or speedwork. Both of these stress the Achilles more than other types of running.

Shoes may also cause this condition. If the shoes are too inflexible, that will cause the Achilles to twist and in some cases that will start the condition.

Runners who over pronate (that means your feet rotate too far inward on impact) are susceptible to Achilles Tendinitis.

Okay. So what is a runner to do if symptoms appear?

Well, for starters, take some time off from running. (I know. That is NOT what any runner wants to hear!) Take aspirin or ibuprofen and ice the area for about 10 to 15 minutes a few times a day until the inflammation goes down. Rub your heel gently in semi circles in all directions away from the knot or scar

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