Since sports, gyms and pools have been shut down, a lot more people are taking up running as a way of getting out of the house and keeping fit. While running is a fantastic way to stay in shape (and allowing to eat those chocolates guilt-free), going from no running to running large kilometres every week can put your body at risk of injury.
Achilles tendinopathy is a relatively common injury for running athletes. It has been predicted that up to 60% of all runners will endure this injury at some point in their life. So what causes this injury and how can it be avoided?
Tendons are extremely sensitive to how much load you put them under. When you are walking, your Achilles tendon undergoes a force of around 3 times your bodyweight. However, if you begin running, your Achilles tendon is then absorbing up to 6-8 times your body weight, and this if your tendon is not strong enough, it can begin to break down. The signs and symptoms of an Achilles tendinopathy are night pain, pain down the bottom of the calf during or after exercise and an increase in this pain with faster running activities.
If this sounds like something that is/has happened to you, then it is best to get on top of the issue early as this can be more easily managed when diagnosed early. It has been shown that once a tendinopathy has occurred, resting or stretching the area will make the tendon weaker! The best way to fix the issue is to perform specially targeted therapeutic exercises and to reload the tendon appropriately.
At Back In Motion Malvern, our physiotherapy team will complete a holistic assessment to determine exactly what is going on with your body and develop a comprehensive treatment plan specific to your injury that fits in with your schedule. So, make sure you come into the clinic and let’s get you back onto your feet!
Sam Glover - Physiotherapist - Back in Motion Malvern