Achilles tendonitis is a common injury of the largest tendon in your body. It can withstand forces of 1,000 pounds or more, but it's the most frequently ruptured tendon, usually due to sports injuries.
Achilles tendonitis can be caused by:
- Hill running or stair climbing
- Overuse, stemming from the natural lack of flexibility in the calf muscles
- Starting up too quickly after a layoff in exercise without stretching and warming up your foot
- Trauma caused by sudden contraction of your calf muscles when putting out extra effort like in a sprint
- Improper footwear and/or a tendency toward overpronation
Achilles tendonitis often begins with mild pain after exercise or running that gradually gets worse. Visit your podiatrist if you are experiencing the following:
- Recurring localized pain along the tendon during or a few hours after running
- Morning tenderness about an inch and a half above the point where the Achilles tendon is attached to your heel bone
- Mild or severe swelling