Running is a great way to stay in shape, but it also takes a significant toll on our bodies. With each stride we put acute micro-trauma on our hips, knees and feet, and over the course of the years that take takes a toll on those body parts. Repetitive running injuries come in many forms, but research shows that 10 percent of running injuries are associated with one specific part of your foot.
The area in question is your Achilles tendon, and statistics suggest that 10 percent of running injuries are caused by Achilles tendinitis. Today, we take a closer look at the condition, and what you can do to prevent it.
Understanding Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis is classified as acute inflammation of the Achilles tendon, which is housed along the backside of your ankle. Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury, disease or irritation, so it’s not uncommon to notice some pain from inflammation if you’re a regular runner.
There are two different types of Achilles tendinitis, and they are characterized based on which part of the tendon is inflamed. They are Noninsertional Achilles Tendinitis and Insertional Achilles Tendinitis.
Noninsertional Achilles Tendinitis – In this type of tendinitis, the fibers in the middle portion of the tendon have begun to tear, swell, and become inflamed. This is more common in young individuals and in runners.
Insertional Achilles Tendinitis – IAT involves inflammation at the lower portion of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. This is more common in older adults after decades of degeneration.
Treating Achilles Tendinitis
Treating Achilles tendinitis often involves conservative care. Your doctor will likely prescribe a course of RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation), along with physical therapy and stretching exercises. Exercise and physical therapy help to strengthen the calf muscles, which reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
If you’re a runner and you’re battling tendinitis, you’ll also want to take a look at your stride. If you’re overstriding, you are unknowingly putting extra stress on the Achilles tendon, which can lead to inflammation and swelling. If your Achilles tendon starts to hurt, take a break and do some calf stretching routines and consider shortening your side.
Surgery for Achilles tendinitis isn’t all that common, as it’s generally reserve for ruptures of the tendon, but it’s not out of the question. If you have naturally tight calf muscles, a foot surgeon can lengthen them to take some stress off the tendon. Similarly, if the inflammation is recurrent, it can lead to calcification in the area, which can turn into bone spurs and even more inflammation. If bone spurs are present, a surgeon can remove them so they don’t keep rubbing and inflaming the tendon.
So if you’re dealing with pain in the back of your ankle, and you’re an athlete, odds are you’re battling some form of Achilles tendinitis. Contact Dr. Silverman for an evaluation and a treatment plan to get you back on the path to a pain-free lifestyle.
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