The Achilles tendon is the tendon that connects the muscles of the lower leg to the heel. If someone experiences pain along the back of the foot, the most common cause is injury to the Achilles tendon. Injuries to the Achilles tendon are often caused by overuse. People can experience Achilles pain from running or doing other high-impact exercise.
Because of the stress on the foot from running and other high-impact exercises, people who participate in these exercises may be prone to ankle and back of foot pain. The Achilles tendon takes the force of the individual’s weight with every step. Strenuous exercise increases the force exerted on the Achilles tendon as well as the ankle and foot.
Achilles pain from running should not be ignored. Anytime someone experiences ankle and back of foot pain, it should be addressed to prevent further injury. For minor injuries, the individual may benefit greatly from simply resting the affected foot. For persistent pain, the person experiencing Achilles tendon or ankle pain should consult a doctor. Severe injuries to the Achilles tendon may require immobilization or surgery, though surgery is rarely necessary.
Ankle sprains may be the source of ankle pain. An ankle sprain occurs most commonly when someone twists their ankle. When a person lands on their foot awkwardly and the bottom of the foot turns inward, the pressure of the person’s weight is exerted on the outside of the ankle. This damages the ligaments on the outside of the ankle. Someone with an ankle sprain may have severely damaged or torn ligaments, therefore the ankle should be checked by a physician.
Preventing injuries to the Achilles tendon involves staying in good shape and warming up and stretching the tendon before exercise. Wearing proper footwear can help prevent injuries to the foot, ankle, and Achilles tendon. Shoes need to have adequate support and cushioning. Footwear that is ill-fitting or does not provide enough support can cause or worsen injuries to the Achilles tendon and feet.
Running on uneven surfaces should be avoided if possible. An uneven surface can make the individual susceptible to ankle injuries and increase the force on the Achilles tendon. Preventative measures for ankle pain and Achilles pain from running are not guaranteed ways to avoid injury. If the individual sustains an ankle or Achilles tendon injury, prompt and proper treatment can prevent the injury from worsening and increases the likelihood that the person will not need surgery. With proper treatment, the person usually recovers without permanent damage.
