What happens if you have inflammation in your Achilles tendon? You have a condition known as Achilles tendonitis, which can be painful and impact the way you move. The Achilles tendon is the tissue that connects your heel bone to your calf muscle. It plays a critical role in your movement. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to take your daily walk or play your favorite sport.
Do you know the signs of an Achilles tendon injury?
- Thickness and stiffness of your Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
- Swelling or pain that worsens as you keep moving
- Pain after exercising, particularly the next day
Dr. Brandon A. Macy has a few tips to help you prevent this type of injury. It starts with listening to your body, choosing footwear properly, and allowing time for rest.
Tips to prevent Achilles tendonitis:
- Warm-up
Before you start moving, warm up. Allow your body time to stretch. Don’t forget to hydrate, too. To perform your best and avoid an injury, ease into physical activity. We also recommend you watch how you change intensity during your workout. Choose a gradual change over a sudden one. - Wear the right shoes
If your shoes are lacking support, it’s time to switch. If you’ve noticed your shoes are worn, you have another reason to go shoe shopping. Reduce the pressure on your tendon by giving it the best support with your shoe choice. - Wind down
Warming up is great, but don’t forget to cool down. This period also includes a time of stretching. Be proactive to reduce your risk for a future injury.
At Clark Podiatry Center, Dr. Brandon A. Macy, a board-certified podiatrist, treats various conditions such as heel pain, diabetic wounds, bunions, nerve pain, and more. The New Jersey Children’s Foot Health Institute is also part of Clark Podiatry Center. We provide exceptional service for patients in Union County. Contact our office at (732) 382-3470 or schedule an appointment online. Our office is at 1114 Raritan Road, Clark, NJ 07066.