If you have already sustained one of these injuries, I will review treatment and rehabilitation methods. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the heel bone. Various factors can cause inflammation in this tendon, including tight or fatigued calf muscles or tight hamstrings. Training and warm-up errors can also affect this tendon, such as improper or inadequate stretching and increasing mileage too quickly. Running on uneven, hard or slippery surfaces as well as hills can be problematic.
Runners describe the pain as dull, sharp or burning where the tendon attaches to the heel.
The pain is worse when starting and finishing running and may even occur at night. There is often a decrease in range of motion and the pain is worse when the ankle is flexed such that the toes point up. If not appropriately treated, a painful bump or a crunchy sensation, as well as redness and heat may develop over the tendon. The goals of treatment are to decrease inflammation, decrease stress on the Achilles tendon and increase flexibility in the calf muscles. The first step in treatment is to stop running and start ice massage and stretching.