Most runners have either experienced Achilles tendonitis or know someone who has. The sharp pain felt right above the heel and the stiffness first thing in the morning, which makes going down stairs difficult. It is a painful injury that runners and triathletes find frustrating as it causes lay-offs for months, even years affecting racing careers and the ability to train. As you can see the achilles tendon soreness and pain can last a long time.
Achilles Tendonitis Cause
It is still unknown the achilles tendonitis cause, as to why certain athletes will develop tendonitis and others won’t. It is thought that perhaps the possibility of tendinitis exists for those who have gait faults such as pronation or supination where feet roll in or out. Another possibility may be irritation due to poorly fitting or worn footwear. If an athlete experiences a sudden increase in training load or an increase in distance, speed work or hill training they may also be at risk for tendinitis.
Athletes that are involved in sports that require running or jumping are especially at risk for tendonitis.
Tendonitis can strike those individuals who lead sedentary lifestyles and then decide to be weekend athletes without giving their bodies the chance to be trained properly for the change in activity level. It is common for Emergency room doctors to find patients with tendonitis who have had recent spurts in activity level before the injury. Even someone out sightseeing while on vacation and doing an unusual amount of walking can come down with tendonitis.
