Total Body Fitness Gives Useful info on Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendon Support Can Help Relieve Achilles Tendonitis Pain



So you’ve decided to exercise, but forgot to stretch your calf muscles, and now you have a sharp pain just above your ankle. This pain – most likely the result of Achilles tendonitis, a condition often caused by tight calf muscles – can be alleviated via Achilles tendon support.

The Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body, connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, so Achilles tendon support is crucial to helping it remain strong. Named after the Greek warrior who could only be mortally wounded in his heel, the Achilles tendon supports your body’s weight during exercise and everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs. When the Achilles tendon becomes irritated or inflamed, you may experience a sharp, constant pain just above your heel. If you’re experiencing this pain, you most likely have Achilles tendonitis. Total Body Fitness explains some causes and remedies to help people prevent or recover from this most painful condition.



Poor Achilles Tendon Support Can Cause Achilles Tendonitis



Tight calf muscles due to poor stretching or a too rapid increase in the frequency or intensity of athletic activity typically inflame the Achilles tendon, thus causing Achilles tendonitis and compelling you to pursue Achilles tendon support.

The following conditions and factors can also lead to Achilles tendonitis and the need for Achilles tendon support :

* Flat feet or over-pronation during walking or running.
* Shoes that don’t stabilize your feet.
* Leg length discrepancy (one leg is longer than the other).



Relieve and Prevent Achilles Tendonitis Pain




If you have Achilles tendonitis pain, you can find relief by integrating better Achilles tendon support exercises into your daily routine. Also, in addition to Achilles tendon support, try following these suggestions:

* Temporarily stop the activity that caused the pain (running, excessive walking, etc.).
* Ice and/or massage the painful area. Apply ice approximately three times a day for 20 minutes to help reduce inflammation of the tendon.
* Gently stretch and massage your calf muscle using a stretching aid..
* Use a heel lift in your shoes to help reduce the pull on the tendon and promote healing.
Achilles tendon support is crucial to helping avoid future problems with your Achilles tendon. Try to follow these tips to help guard against Achilles tendonitis in the future:

* Consistently stretch your calf muscles before exercising or walking.
* Wear shoes that stabilize your feet during motion. Remember, an ideal support shoe has the following characteristics:
o Firm heel counter
o Wide enough toe box to accommodate toes without pinching
o Semi-rigid or rigid shank
o Removable inner sole
o Long vamp
o Heel measuring between ¾ - 1½ inches
* Use heel lifts and other insoles in shoes to give your feet more cushioning and support. These types of products provide great Achilles tendon support.
* If you find yourself recovering from Achilles tendonitis, ease back into exercise slowly, giving yourself enough time to heal.


If the pain persists and you feel like you need better Achilles tendon support, The Podiatry Institute recommends consulting a podiatrist, as chronic Achilles tendonitis may require physical therapy, cast immobilization or even surgery in extreme cases.