Achilles tendonitis is one of the most common injuries among active people, athletes and workers who spend many hours on their feet. Although in many cases it starts with a slight discomfort, if not treated in time it can become a chronic pain that considerably limits mobility.
In this post we explain exactly what Achilles tendonitis is, why it occurs, what its symptoms are and, most importantly, what you can do to relieve the pain and prevent it from getting worse. In addition, we’ll talk about how the right Insole can help you reduce overuse and improve your recovery.
What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of the Achilles tendon, a fibrous band that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and plays an essential role in functions such as walking, running and jumping. When subjected to excessive or repeated stress, it can become irritated or inflamed, causing pain, stiffness and even difficulty moving normally.
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
The most common causes of Achilles tendinitis are usually related to overuse of the tendon or incorrect biomechanics in walking. Among the most common factors are:
- Sudden increase in the intensity or duration of physical exercise.
- Playing sports that involve running, jumping or sudden turns.
- Wearing inadequate or very worn-out footwear.
- Flat, cavus or misaligned feet.
- Lack of stretching or warm-up before exercise.
- Overweight, which increases the load on the feet.
- Natural aging of the tendon, which loses elasticity over the years.
Common Symptoms of the Condition
Symptoms of this condition can vary depending on the severity of the inflammation, but the most common are:
- Pain in the back of the ankle, especially when walking or getting up in the morning.
- Stiffness in the tendon area, which improves throughout the day with movement.
- Burning sensation or pressure on the tendon.
- Visible swelling or redness.
- In more advanced cases, a lump or thickening of the tendon.
Treatments and Tips for Relieving Achilles Tendonitis
Although the most important thing will always be the professional diagnosis, there are several strategies you can apply to alleviate pain and facilitate recovery:
Rest and Activity Reduction
Avoid activities that involve direct impact on the area, such as running, jumping or climbing stairs. Giving the tendon time to recover is essential.
Cold application
Using ice on the inflamed area for 15-20 minutes several times a day can help reduce swelling and soothe pain.
Gentle Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
Once the acute pain has subsided, it is advisable to incorporate calf stretching and ankle strengthening exercises, preferably under the supervision of a physical therapist.
Use of Appropriate Footwear
Avoid flat or unsupportive shoes. A shoe with slight heel lift and good cushioning helps reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
Orthopedic Inoles
One of the most effective allies to alleviate Achilles tendinitis is the use of appropriate Insole. These Inoles help to better distribute the weight of the body, absorb the impact of walking and reduce tendon traction, especially if you have an anatomical alteration such as flat or cavus foot.
What kind of Insole can help me?
When it comes to Achilles tendonitis insoles, it is important to choose a model that provides good cushioning, some heel lift and arch support.
The Smou Complet are an excellent choice if you suffer from this type of ailment. They are designed to offer balanced support, distribute weight evenly and unload key areas such as the heel or plantar arch. In addition, thanks to their high quality materials, they offer good shock absorption and comfort that is maintained even on long days.
If your tendonitis is associated with other pathologies such as heel spurs or plantar fasciitis, the Smou Complet will also help you relieve the load on these sensitive areas, preventing discomfort from becoming a major problem.
In addition, because they are not custom orthotics, they are much more affordable, and are designed to fit most everyday footwear, including work boots, sneakers, sneakers or casual footwear.
Prevention: How to Prevent Reoccurrence
Once the pain is over, it is important to incorporate certain habits to avoid relapses:
- Stretch and warm up before exercising.
- Alternate high-impact sports with gentler activities such as swimming or cycling.
- Always wear appropriate footwear and change your shoes when you notice wear and tear.
- Listen to your body: if you feel persistent discomfort, don’t ignore it.
- Maintain a healthy weight to reduce the load on your feet.
Conclusion
Achilles tendonitis may seem like a minor ailment at first, but if not treated carefully it can actually limit your mobility and your day-to-day life. Luckily, there are many ways to alleviate the pain, and the right insoles can make a big difference in the recovery process.
There is no need to wait until the pain becomes unbearable to act. Making small improvements to your footwear and taking care of your stride today will allow you to walk more comfortably and safely tomorrow.