Achilles strain is one of the most common injuries we see in runners, walkers and active lifestyles.
Your Achilles tendon works hard every single day — connecting your calf muscles to your heel and helping you walk, run and jump. When it becomes overloaded, tight or irritated, it can lead to pain and inflammation.
What causes it?
• Sudden increases in activity or running
• Tight calf muscles
• Poor footwear or lack of support
• Overtraining without enough recovery
• Weakness or reduced flexibility in the lower leg
Early Warning Signs
• Tightness in the back of the ankle or calf
• Pain first thing in the morning
• Tenderness above the heel
• Pain during or after exercise
• Stiffness when walking after rest
How to help prevent it
• Warm up properly before exercise
• Gradually increase activity levels
• Stretch and strengthen the calves
• Wear supportive footwear
• Allow time for recovery between workouts
What can help recovery
• Reducing aggravating activity temporarily
• Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises
• Ice and load management
• Soft tissue therapy and rehabilitation
• Addressing movement patterns and biomechanics
Ignoring Achilles pain early on can often make it linger for much longer — listening to those early warning signs is key