The large tendon that connects your calf muscle to your foot is the Achilles tendon. When it becomes excessively stressed and inflamed from the pressure of exercise, sporting, and work activities, severe discomfort and pain can develop in the heel area. Doing proper warming up and cooling down exercises will help prevent Achilles tendon damage. For any Achilles tendonitis pain and discomfort issues that you may be experiencing, be sure to have them checked out by your foot doctor to help prevent further damage.

3 of the common causes of Achilles tendonitis include the following:

• Injury from repetitive stress—Stress and pressure from participating in high-impact sports like tennis and football take a toll on the Achilles tendon and cause painful stretch or even break. A ruptured Achilles tendon will often make a loud popping sound as it breaks, followed by rolling on the floor in extreme agony. It will require surgery to reattach the tendon, followed by a lengthy recovery period.
• Starting a new exercise program too quickly (the couch potato effect!)—Many people get a little too gung ho about a new exercise program and get up off the couch and start exercising without properly warming up. The Achilles tendon is not used to this stress and is more likely to suffer an injury, so take it easy until your body gets used to the new activity.
• Poorly fitting footwear—The correct heel and arch support are essential to proper foot and ankle alignment. Wearing properly fitted shoes made for orthotic insert activity will help avoid Achilles tendon stress and many other foot and ankle problems.

If you have heel pain, see your foot doctor for the correct diagnosis and treatment protocols. Call Syracuse Podiatry, located in East Syracuse, New York. Dr. Ryan L. D’Amico, 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.