You want to run, but your Achilles tendon hurts

Achilles tendonitis

What is that?

The Achilles tendon is one of the strongest tendons in our body and plays a very important role in walking. This tendon is subjected to a lot of strain over the years due to our daily movement and the risk of inflammation increases. Inflammation in the Achilles tendon area can have a variety of causes.

How does this manifest itself?

Usually, a stabbing pain is felt 2-3 cm above the heel, which initially only occurs when the foot is under strain. In this area, the skin often has superficial redness, the affected area feels warm and is swollen. Occasionally, a crunching sound is felt and heard when the foot is under greater strain. The longer the pain lasts, the more difficult it is to treat and the greater the likelihood that the pain will become chronic. In the case of chronic inflammation, the tendon often becomes thicker and hardened.

Where does it come from?

There are many different causes for inflammation of the strongest tendon in our body. Often, the reason for the pain is excessive strain or the frequent wearing of unsuitable footwear. This type of inflammation is particularly common in competitive athletes. Overstraining the Achilles tendon is also encouraged by foot misalignments such as a hollow foot or an inward-tilted heel. These two misalignments stretch the Achilles tendon beyond its natural length and put it under tension, which leads to severe overstimulation.

Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes, can also attack the structure of the tendons and thus increase the risk of overload.

What happens if I don’t act here?

Achilles tendonitis can become chronic, meaning that the symptoms are difficult to treat and, in the worst case, do not go away at all because the tissue permanently maintains the inflammatory reaction.

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon weakens the tissue, and sudden movements can lead to partial tears or even a complete rupture. Partial tears can heal with immobilization in an appropriate shoe, but complete ruptures usually require surgery. The normal healing time is at least three months, and returning to (competitive) sport is often only possible after six months.

How do I find out if I have something like this?

The description of the symptoms is important for the diagnosis, because the location and type of pain can quickly determine whether or not there is inflammation. The doctor can also use other imaging techniques. For example, an ultrasound can detect free fluid, which can be a sign of inflammation. The condition of the tendon can also be assessed well here. The most reliable diagnostic procedure is an MRI, which can clearly assess both the extent of the inflammation and the condition of the tendon.

How do you treat this?

In the case of Achilles tendonitis, the tendon should be protected over a longer period of time to avoid excessive strain. Jerky and unpredictable running movements must be avoided at all costs. Experience shows that the stability of the ankle joint plays a particularly important role here.

The soft padding under the heel is also important, because any uncushioned impact of the heel causes microtrauma to the Achilles tendon, which prevents the inflammation from healing. In the worst case, this microtrauma can even lead to tears.

Insoles provide optimal, reliable support for the ankle and the medial longitudinal arch, bringing rest to the joints. A heel pad made of the best cushioning material ensures a softer step. By relieving the biomechanically stressed joints, the inflamed tissue can regenerate more quickly and the foot still remains resilient.

Eccentric Achilles tendon training is scientifically proven to help. This exercise should be performed 3x15 times per foot daily for 12 weeks.

Eccentric Achilles tendon training (video explanation):

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