Your Achilles tendons are the largest tendons in your body. They connect your calf muscles to your heel bones and when they are overstressed from physical labor or from playing sports, severe pain in the heel, ankle, and calf area in a condition called Achilles tendonitis are often the result.

3 causes of injury to the Achilles tendon include the following:

1. Starting a workout routine too rapidly—Many people who vow to start a new exercise program tend to be too aggressive at the beginning without doing proper warm-up exercises. Increase the intensity of a new workout or sports activity gradually to avoid the shock that can lead to Achilles tendonitis or rupture.
2. Repetitive stress injury—Stress from playing sports like basketball, tennis, and football where a lot of fast starts and stops are required can cause the Achilles tendon to stretch and tear causing severe pain and discomfort. A complete tear is extremely painful and often occurs with a loud popping sound as the tendon gives way.
3. Incorrect shoes—Wearing the wrong type of shoe for the activity (such as wearing running shoes on the tennis court) will put extreme stress on the foot leading to an Achilles tendon or other injuries. Have your feet measured each time you buy shoes to ensure a proper fit and use custom orthotic inserts for optimum performance and foot health.

If your tendon pain and discomfort prevent you from walking or doesn’t improve after a day or two of resting, you may have a more severe tendon injury that will require further testing and possible surgery to correct the injury.

For pain and discomfort in your Achilles tendon, be sure to see your foot doctor for the proper diagnosis and treatment. Call Syracuse Podiatry located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, Dr. Kathleen Pyatak-Hugar, and Dr. Donal M. Erickson and their staff will help you diagnose and treat your foot or ankle condition. Call 315-446-3668 or make an appointment online today.