Preventing Achilles Tendonitis
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and it’s the largest tendon in the body. When your calf muscles flex, the Achilles tendon pulls on your heel and this movement allows you to flex your foot and point your toes when you walk, run or jump.
Although it is the strongest tendon in your body, it is susceptible to injury due to the high stresses placed on it and it’s limited blood supply.
Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon becomes inflamed, usually causing pain and swelling in the back of your heel. Tight calf muscles and a limited range of motion when flexing the foot are also symptoms of this type of injury.
What causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Overuse is usually the main cause for the tendon to become inflamed. If you have flat feet, or over pronate this can cause excessive stretching of the Achilles tendon. Tight calf muscles will add stress to the Achilles, as will wearing high heels for prolonged periods of time. If you like to run on an incline most of the time or increase the intensity of your training suddenly, this is also going to put extra stress on the tendon and lead to tendonitis.
Preventing Achilles Tendonitis
Firstly, you need to make sure you are warming up and stretching properly before any work out.
Stronger calves can also help. Add some simple toe raises to your routine, and add a little resistance by holding onto a dumbbell if you can.
Ensure your footwear is giving you the right support.
If you plan on increasing your training, do this gradually to avoid aggravating the tendon.
Cut down on incline running.
If you experience any pain in the back of your heel, or your calf muscle, stop training and allow yourself to recover.
How can Enertor insoles help prevent Achilles Tendonitis?
Our 18 years of Orthotics experience, combined with D30 technology has enabled us to create a unique insole that can help to prevent Achille Tendonitis
Enertor Performance insoles are designed to improve rear foot alignment and limit the tension of the Achilles tendon. The natural heel lift of our insoles also reduces the tension placed on the tendon and therefore reduces the risk of injury.
Our insoles also have the added benefit of 44% shock absorption – more than any other insole – which reduces stress at heel impact.
You should always seek medical advice before recommencing any training if you have been diagnosed with Achilles tendonitis, but when you are ready to get out there again, Enertor insoles natural heel lift will redistribute pressure away from the affected Achilles tendon, and the shock absorption will reduce repeated irritation allowing soft tissues to settle.
Enertor insoles are currently stocked in stores at Superdrug in the UK , and you can purchase online HERE
Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site.
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