Achilles Tendinitis Is No Picnic

Achilles Tendinitis Is No Picnic

Heavy running can cause Achilles tendinitisSummer is a great time for kids to play outside, but it can also be a good time for the whole family to go out and enjoy activities together. That’s why the Berkley Parks and Recreation department is hosting a Community Picnic on Saturday, July 19, as part of its Sumer Fest celebrations. This year, NorthPointe Foot & Ankle is proud to be a sponsor for this great event. Come out to the Community Park Complex for fun and games with your family. Jumping and running games may be hard to enjoy, however, if you’re struggling with Achilles tendinitis.

Achilles tendinitis is an uncomfortable overuse injury in your Achilles tendon, which makes it difficult and painful to push off the ground. It’s fairly common with athletes—particularly runners, since they put so much force on the connector—but anyone can develop the problem. Too many hard impacts or repetitive motions over time, and you can easily strain the tissue. Resolving the painful problem takes time, too, since the tendon first must heal, then be re-conditioned to handle the strain of your activities. Preventing the problem before it starts is better for you than trying to recover from it.

Take a few simple steps to prepare your lower limbs for activities and reduce your risk for injuring yourself. Stretch your Achilles every day to keep it from tightening. Do exercises to strengthen your calf muscles, too, like heel raises and toe walking, to help condition the tendon. Make sure you wear supportive footwear and invest in good shoes for your sports or other activities. If you notice your lower limbs becoming sore and painful when you’re active, scale back and let yourself rest.

You don’t need to let Achilles tendinitis keep you from enjoying Berkley’s Community Picnic. Instead, start taking steps now to protect your limbs. If you’re already struggling with discomfort, don’t wait to get help. Contact NorthPointe Foot & Ankle for more information or an appointment. Call (248) 545-0100 or use the online request form to reach us. 

Photo Credit: Badziol40 VIA pixabay.com