3 Tips to Avoid Achilles Tendon Injuries
With the nicer weather returning, the urge to start an outdoor exercise program can be enticing. Just be careful to start slowly if you’ve been spending months cooped up indoors. A common injury for folks just starting a new exercise program is Achilles tendonitis. You can often treat a minor strain of the Achilles tendon with rest. However, you are more likely to suffer a severe stretching of the tendon and intense pain if you don’t gradually acclimate to the new program.
Here are 3 tips to help avoid Achilles tendon injuries:
Don’t start an exercise program too quickly after extended inactivity—Beginning a workout program too quickly after months of sitting is just asking for trouble. Work with your foot doctor to develop an appropriate program that helps avoid injury.
Avoid repetitive stress motions—High-stress sports like tennis and football and performing heavy workouts can overly stress your tendons leading to injury. Switch to lower impact activities like swimming or rowing to give your stressed tendons a chance to recuperate.
Wear properly fitting footwear with orthotics—Wearing properly fitted shoes with the right heel, and arch support is essential to optimum foot and tendon health. Talk to your foot doctor about custom orthotic inserts to help alleviate pronation and other problems that can contribute to tendon stress.
If you need help treating an Achilles tendon problem, see your foot doctor for the best care. James C. Ricketti, DPM of Hamilton Square, NJ (in Mercer County), is a board-certified podiatrist providing state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment options for all foot types of ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured that Dr. Ricketti and his staff will get you back on your feet as fast as possible. Please contact our office with any questions or to schedule an appointment. Call 609-587-1674.