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Common Foot Conditions

Achilles Pain

Achilles tendonitis is a painful condition that can cause pain with every step you take. As the name suggests achilles tendonitis affects the achilles tendon. The achilles tendon connects the heel of the foot to the calve muscles.

Symptoms include pain which may be present at the achilles tendon during activity and may also increase once activity has ceased. Tenderness can usually be felt along the course of the tendon and in some cases there may be the presence of a localized nodule (small sack of fluid) on the tendon. Another sign to look for is that the soles of shoes tend to wear out quickly around the heel region.

Cause

  • The biggest contributing factor is ignoring the pain in the tendon.
  • Achilles Pain commonly occurs from shearing and stretching forces placed on the achilles tendon. Excess Pronation (rolling over of the foot) causes extra strain on the tendon. Inflammation of the tendon is a common result along with tightening of the calf muscles.
  • Sudden increases in training can lead to achilles tendonitis.
  • Excessive hill running or speed work.
  • Inappropriate shoes. If the soles of the shoes are too stiff, this causes the forefoot to have limited movement. This can lead to increased tension to the achilles tendon.
  • Studies have shown that excessive heel cushioning can be a contributing factor. Air filled heels are not very good for achilles tendonitis. If you wear a shoe that is designed to give greater shock absorption, what frequently happens is when the heel makes contact with the ground and continues to sink lower while the shoe is absorbing the shock. This causes the achilles tendon to be stretched.
  • Tight calve muscles.
  • Mechanical abnormalities of the feet such as over pronation.
  • Women who take up running are at a greater risk. This mainly affects women who wear high-heeled shoes, which effectively shorten the achilles tendon. When the individual then takes up running in "flat shoes", the achilles tendon is put under increased tension

Achilles Pain Treatment
 		  
 
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