The largest and strongest tendon in the body is the Achilles tendon. This fibrous tissue attaches the heel muscles to the muscles of the lower leg, called the calf muscles. With calf muscle contraction, this pulls the Achilles tendon while the foot is pushed downward. The Achilles tendon is very prone to injury since it bears the weight of the body with every step.
There are basic ways to injury to the Achilles tendon. Wear the right type of shoes especially if you are active in sports. People with high arches or flat feet can avoid injuries by wearing the appropriate footwear.
Before any exercise or sports activity, be sure to perform stretches and warm ups for at least ten minutes. This would condition the muscles before exercise, focusing on the lower leg muscles. After any strenuous activity, you must also do stretches on the back, thigh, and calf muscles to prevent tightness. If you have not been exercising regularly, check with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
Massaging the calf muscles and Achilles tendon can also be done. Light massage on the Achilles tendon and calf muscles can decrease tightness and reduce the time needed for the muscles to recover from exercise.
Keep your weight under control. You must also learn to pay attention to your body. If you experience unusual pain, identify the cause and do not try to work through it. A sedentary lifestyle can shorten the Achilles tendon, making you prone to heel pain and calf problems.
Basic treatment for Achilles tendonitis includes rest, icing, and anti inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen. Shoes with adequate cushion, heel pads, or orthotics can reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. Physical therapy is sometimes needed. For most patients, surgery is not indicated. This is only for patients with chronic heel pain. An alternative to surgery is ESWT, which is low risk, relatively painless, and requires little to no recovery time.
For more information on ESWT heel pain treatment, visit naplesheelpain.com
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