3 Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
When you have severe pain on or near the back of your heel, it may be a sign of a common condition called Achilles tendonitis. This tendon is the largest in your body, and it connects your calf muscle to your foot. While the tendon is robust, it is still susceptible to stress, inflammation, and injury from working, playing sports, and exercising.
Some common causes of Achilles tendonitis include the following:
Starting a new workout routine without proper warming up and conditioning—A frequent cause of damage to the Achilles tendon is from starting a new workout program too quickly without adequately stretching and conditioning. Always begin a new exercise and sports program slowly and gradually to give your tendons and muscles time to adjust without injury.
Repetitive stress injuries—Participating in sports like tennis, football, and basketball or taking classes in ballet or modern dance can cause repetitive stress injuries that often show up in the feet and ankles and the Achilles tendon.
Wearing poorly fitted shoes with inadequate support—Your footwear needs to be appropriate for the activity, and proper sizing and arch support are essential. Orthotic inserts can help relieve stress and pressure in the heel, so injured tendons can heal.
If the heel and tendon pain and discomfort interfere with ambulation and doesn’t start to improve after several days, you may have a tear in the Achilles tendon that will require further testing and possible surgery to repair, so be sure to contact your foot doctor. 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 types of foot and ankle injuries, diseases, and deformities. From hammertoes and bunions to diabetic foot problems and sports injuries, you can rest assured 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.