Causes and Risk Factors
A number of causes and risk factors are associated with Achilles Tendonitis. One
of the most common is simply a
lack of conditioning that could have been
prevented if a proper stretching or warm up routine had been used. If the tendon,
and muscles that connect to the tendon, have not been trained or conditioned, this
leads to a weakness and may result in an Achilles injury.
Overtraining is also associated with Achilles Tendonitis. Doing too much,
too soon places excessive strain on the Achilles tendon and doesn't allow the tendon
enough time to recovery properly. Over time small tears and general degeneration
result in a weakening of the tendon, which leads to inflammation and pain.
Your Achilles Heel: How to Avoid An Achilles Injury
Other causes of Achilles injury include a lack of warming up and stretching.
Wearing inadequate footwear, running or training on uneven ground,
and simply standing on, or in something you're not meant to.
Biomechanical problems
such as
high arched feet or
flat feet can also lead to Achilles injuries.
So what are some of the things you can do to help prevent Achilles Tendonitis?
Warm Up properly
A good warm up is essential in getting the body ready for any activity. A well structured
set of stretches will prepare your heart, lungs, muscles, joints and your mind for
strenuous activity.
Plyometric Training
Plyometric drills include jumping, skipping, bounding, and hopping type activities.
These explosive types of exercises help to condition, stretch and prepare the muscles,
tendons and ligaments in the lower leg and ankle joint.
Balancing Exercises
Any activity that challenges your ability to balance, and keep your balance, will
help what's called proprioception: - your body's ability to know where it's limbs
are at any given time.
Stretch and Strengthen
I'll cover these in a lot more detail a little later on when I discuss rehabilitation
and conditioning exercises.
Footwear
Be aware of the importance of good footwear. A good pair of shoes will help to keep
your ankles stable, provide adequate cushioning, and support your foot and lower
leg during the running or walking motion.
In my following posts, I'll be discussing a comprehensive initial and ongoing
treatment program to make recovery from Achilles Tendonitis as quick as possible.