Health Tips : Achilles tendon injury

By Winston Salem in : Fitness Tips // Sep 3 2010

The Achilles tendon attaches to the calf muscle and to the heel bone. the calf muscles and the muscles along the shin are needed to protect against shock in high-impact exercises. This muscle group is very strong and is used constantly.

Because of this, your Achilles tendon is put under a lot of pressure. the Achilles tendon handles forces that range from two to three times the body weight in walking, to four to six times the body weight in running and jumping.

When it is overused, or if you continue to use it when it is injured, inflammation of the Achilles tendon could lead to local degeneration and recurrent injury, which can lead to a partial, or even a complete, rupture. It was very wise of you to take a break before little by little resuming exercise.

As you get back into an exercise routine, be sure that you follow up with your healthcare provider and/or a physical therapist to be sure that you are not doing any more damage to your Achilles tendon.

Stretching and strengthening exercises can certainly play a role in taking care of your body.

Do not forget that all stretching ought to be slow and static and that you should listen to your body – feel your muscles stretching, but stop if you feel pain.

Specific to the Achilles tendon and surrounding muscles, consider the following  

Stretch #1 – Calf Stretch

1. Stand about a foot from a wall, extend one leg behind you, keeping both feet flat on the floor, toes pointed straight ahead, and your rear knee straight and your front knee bent.

2. Move your hips forward, keeping your lower back flat.

3. Lean into the wall until you feel tension in the calf muscle of the extended leg.

4. Hold for 10 seconds, then stretch the other leg.

5. Repeat at least two more times.

Stretch #2 – Calf Stretch

1. Stand arm’s-length distance from a wall (or tree, or lamppost – no matter what is handy and gives you support).

2. Be certain to put your hands on the wall, keep your back and your legs straight, and make certain your heels are flat on the floor.

3. Bend your arms and lean forward, attempting to touch your chest to the wall.

4. Feel the stretch in the calf muscles.

5. Hold it for a few seconds.

6. Relax and repeat at least two more times.

Stretch #3 – Achilles Tendon Stretch

1. Stand with one leg in front of you, slightly bent, and the other leg extended back.

2. Lower your hips downward as you slightly bend the knee of the extended leg.

3. Make certain to keep both heels flat on the floor and toes straight ahead.

4. Hold the stretch for 10 seconds, and then stretch the other leg.

5. Repeat at least two more times.

Note – This Achilles tendon stretch requires only a slight feeling of tension at the back of your ankle.

Additionally, be sure that you do not bounce, and that you stretch gently and completely.

Besides running and jogging, the Achilles tendon can be injured from any activity that has an impact component.

To help prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, consider exercises that put less stress on the Achilles tendon, such as bicycle riding and swimming.

Additionally, abnormal pronation and muscle imbalances may be a problem for a recurring inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

When you decide to get back into running, you need to have a physical therapist take a look at your running shoes to be sure they aren’t causing extra stress on your Achilles tendon and calf muscles.

Be certain that you always wear running shoes that are not worn out, and try to avoid uneven or hard running surfaces.

You may want to run on soft surfaces, like running tracks, or soft trails without holes or ditches.