Just as the Greek warrior Achilles was vulnerable in his heel, people suffering with pain in the area that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone have what is called Achilles tendonitis.

Greek mythology tells us Achilles’ mother dipped him in the river Styx to make him invincible, only she held him by the heel leaving him vulnerable to an arrow that struck his heel and killed him. Fortunately, Achilles tendonitis is not a deadly disease. However Achilles tendonitis is a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon that may make it impossible to walk.

The most powerful and largest tendon in the body, the Achilles tendon is located in the back of the lower leg. Because we have an Achilles tendon, humans are able to rise up on their toes, walk, run and perform elegant ballet routines.

Eliminate Achilles Tendon Pain Immediately

People who participate in sports and older people have an increased risk of injuring their Achilles tendon and suffering with Achilles tendonitis. In fact, Achilles tendonitis occurs in 6 to 18 percent of runners because running places major repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendonitis is common for other athletes besides runners. Dancers and gymnasts are at risk for Achilles tendonitis especially if they wear improperly fitting shoes.

While improperly trained athletes are at the highest risk for developing Achilles tendonitis, other people are also at risk. If you perform high impact aerobics at home barefoot on a hard surface or take part in sports that involve sudden stops and starts or jumping, you are also at risk for Achilles tendonitis.

Amazingly, your Achilles tendon can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more, but the Achilles tendon cannot take abuse. Overuse of the Achilles tendon may lead to Achilles tendonitis.

You don’t have to be an athlete to have Achilles tendonitis. In fact, the condition of Achilles tendonitis also develops in a person who exercises infrequently because he or she may have a weak Achilles tendon.

Some of the common signs of Achilles tendonitis include severe pain along the tendon during or after exercise. People with Achilles tendonitis feel tenderness about an inch above the point where the heel bone is attached to the Achilles tendon.

Get Rid of Achilles Tendon Pain for Good

Other signs of Achilles tendonitis include swelling and stiffness of the Achilles tendon before warm-up and exercise.

Treating Achilles tendonitis is more complex than wrapping the Achilles tendon with a bandage. Depending on the severity of the injury to the Achilles tendon, you will need to see an orthopedic surgeon. He or she may suggest resting the Achilles tendon or switching to an exercise such as swimming that is kind to the Achilles tendon.

Achilles tendonitis may be brought on by a number of different things. Your Achilles tendonitis may have been triggered by a sudden increase in speed while running.

Achilles tendonitis may be caused by a sudden or hard contraction of the calf muscles. The best way to minimize the likelihood of having an Achilles tendon injury is by increasing flexibility through warm-up exercises that prevent Achilles tendonitis.

Your Achilles tendonitis may be the result a single incident when you overstressing your Achilles tendon. But it’s just as possible your Achilles tendonitis came about after a series of stresses that created small tears over a period of months or years.

Another cause of Achilles tendonitis is a congenital condition, which causes the arch of the foot to flatten and the leg to twist more than normal. Women who alternate between flats and high heels are at risk for Achilles tendonitis because the Achilles tendon is not used to being stretched. It’s important to seek help for Achilles tendonitis because repeated stress on the Achilles tendon may lead to a partial or complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, which can be excruciatingly painful.

Your physician may prescribe nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication to ease the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis. You may need a bandage specifically designed to restrict motion of the Achilles tendon if you are diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis. Another solution for dealing with Achilles tendonitis is to use shoe inserts that support the Achilles tendon.

In conclusion, the best way to prevent the need for surgery to treat Achilles tendonitis is to wear proper shoes when exercising that cushion your Achilles tendon. Before exercising, make sure to warm up to prevent a ruptured Achilles tendon. Avoid exercising too much, sprinting, running up hills or hiking on rough terrain unless you are accustomed to it.

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