The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. It plays a crucial role in our posture but also in walking, running and jumping. Unfortunately, the Achilles tendon can easily become overloaded and cause pain.
What causes Achilles tendon pain?
Our Achilles tendons are incredibly thick and strong. If the Achilles tendon is overloaded, it can get small tears. The Achilles tendon then becomes inflamed, thickened and painful.
Why does your Achilles tendon hurt?
Achilles tendon pain is a common condition and can be due to several different causes. Most often, you have accidentally overloaded the Achilles tendon. This can happen if you increase the amount or intensity of your exercise too quickly. Ageing, poor biomechanics and inappropriate footwear can also contribute to Achilles tendon pain.
What are the symptoms of Achilles tendon pain?
Usually, people experience a sharp or persistent pain behind the ankle, especially during or after physical activity. Other symptoms may include swollen ankle, tenderness to the touch, and a feeling of stiffness in the morning.
When and where should I seek treatment for Achilles tendon pain?
If your symptoms are severe and if they do not improve with self-care, you should seek medical help. If there is a typical “pop” sound and stabbing pain during activity, it may be a sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon. Seek medical attention immediately to assess the extent of the injury.
How is Achilles tendon pain treated?
Fascia clinics analyze the whole body to see where compensations and misalignments exist and how they have spread. Fascia treatment for Achilles tendon pain involves balancing the body to even out the load on the feet and Achilles tendons. More even loading thus reduces the risk of overexertion. The pelvis is corrected and the legs are balanced and relieved. The treatment is done both manually and mechanically with gentle vibrations. The vibration removes congestion in the fascia and starts its flow so that the cells can absorb substances more easily. This improves the body’s own ability to heal itself. The treatment does not hurt and is often experienced as very pleasant.
Achilles tendon pain – What can I do?
In addition to RIKH (rest, ice, compression, elevation), you can also do the following to help relieve symptoms.
- Use an Achilles tendon protector to provide support and reduce strain.
- Perform gentle stretching and circulation exercises to help keep the Achilles tendon flexible.
- Self-massage can also be helpful in reducing pain and increasing circulation.
Achilles tendon exercises
There are several exercises that can help increase Achilles tendon flexibility, strength and promote healing. These can include stretching the Achilles tendon as well as various circulation and strengthening exercises.
Frequently asked questions about Achilles tendon pain
Overloading and overuse are the most common causes, but factors such as poor biomechanics, incorrect training methods and unsuitable footwear can also contribute.
It depends on the cause of the pain and how well it is treated.
Seek medical help if the pain is persistent. Use the RIKH method and perform specific exercises to strengthen and stretch the Achilles tendon.
Yes, self-massage can help relieve pain and tension.
Use your fingers or a massage ball to gently massage the Achilles tendon and calf muscles.
An example of a good stretching exercise is to stand in front of a wall and step backwards. Press the heel of the foot that is behind your body down towards the ground. You can vary the stretch by keeping your knee straight or bent.