Arrows Dip

Posted August 14, 2010 By admin

Arrows Dip

The runner's heel: Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles was the hero of the Trojan War made famous by Greek mythology. Was submerged in the lagoon Styx by his mother in an attempt to protect him in battle and make him immortal. Unfortunately, he was hit by an arrow in place on the back of the heel missed when immersed in the magical river. The Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscle to the powerful back of the heel, which now bears his name. Runners, athletes and Achilles are similar vulnerability in this area. Without this tendon (which is the largest operation and stronger in the body) diving and sports activities would be severely hampered. Anyone can develop Achilles tendinitis. It is a common, but may prevent (and treat) overuse of tendon injury.

If you are out running hills and feel a sharp pain or dull pain in the back of the leg near the heel down, this could be the Achilles' tendinitis. If you feel throughout the course of the tendon (which is moving just above the heel bone) and tenderness, most likely Achilles tendinitis. Ignore this. Ice the area and decrease their activity level. Avoid hills or speedwork until it disappears. If you do not improve quickly, consult your podiatrist. Otherwise you could end the margin of four to six weeks.

One of the most effective ways to prevent injuries the Achilles tendon is through a good warm up and stretching routine before long runs, hill repeats and speed workouts. This prevents the flexible tendon, the prevention of micro-tears. Stretching can improve blood flow, which allows quick recovery if not injured. Stretching after a short heating, so you should avoid aggressive Achilles extends when muscles are cold.

Patients with Achilles tendinitis often a feeling of heaviness in the leg, diffuse pain around the Achilles tendon, or mild pain during or after exercise that usually gets worse as they run. Others Symptoms may include swelling, tenderness in the morning on the Achilles tendon, or stiffness in the back of the leg usually decreases as the heating tendon with use.

The severity of the injury to the Achilles tendon will help determine treatment. But in most cases, rest is part of treatment. You may need to stop running and other high-impact exercise, but often you can cross train and the cycle as long as there is no pain or stress in tendon healing. The treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or orthoses, which are devices designed to help keep muscles and relieve stress on the tendon, as a heel pad or template.

Other treatments are specifically designed for bands restrict the movement of the tendon that stretches, physical therapy, massage, ultrasound and appropriate exercises to strengthen the weak muscle group in front of the leg and flexor foot up that work against the Achilles tendon. If the tendinitis is mild, simple modifications of the activities can help. The decrease in mileage, running on flights instead of the hills, and the support of the activity level until there is no pain with exercise may allow the tendon to heal. In general, the ice is much better the heat of the tendinitis.

Some medications may increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture (complete tear). Whenever you take medication such as oral steroids or antibiotics (Prednisone, Cipro, Levaquin, etc.) that should not exercise unless you have discussed this with your physician. You may have seen in the news when the FDA recently issued a strong "Black Box" warning about these antibiotics and the risk associated with tendon ruptures.

A ruptured Achilles tendon is serious. Curiously, there is always painful. However, there is often significant weakness and difficulty getting up in the fingers if this has happened. Any suspected torn tendon can be serious and should be evaluated by a podiatrist. In rare cases may need surgery to repair the tendon.

If you happen be a marathon runner in the battle formation in the course, warm up before stretching, but above all, do not depart from their training program. Do not run with pain if you think you have Achilles tendinitis. If you are a Trojan War hero in battle, and you see any arrows coming your way, stay low and keep moving!

About the Author

Dr. Christopher Segler is an award winning foot and ankle surgeon practicing at the Ankle & Foot Center of Chattanooga at http://www.anklecenter.com. He is also an Ironman Triathlete specializing in sports medicine and surgical treatment of elite athletes. If you would like to learn more about common causes of foot pain, you can order a FREE copy of his book, My Fit Feet, by calling toll free (888) 701-6099 or visit http://MyRunningDoc.com.

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