Sore Achilles After Running? Causes & Treatment
Have you ever finished a run, only to be met with a burning, tight sensation in your lower calve? You’re likely wondering, “Why is more Achilles sore after running?”. The good news is, you’re not alone.
Achilles discomfort and pain during and after a run is relatively common. Whether you’re a novice runner, an avid ParkRun-er, or an experienced marathoner, you’re likely going to experience a sore Achilles running, or after running, at one stage of your running career.
NQ Physio Solutions are North Queensland’s leading physiotherapy team. Within our clinic, we see and treat sporting and running injuries every day – the Achilles tendon is one of the most common problem areas for those who practice activities impacting the lower legs, like running. With our expertise and daily dealings with such injuries, we’re well-positioned to answer your questions surrounding Achilles pain from running. Within this article, we’re going to outline why your Achilles might be sore after running, how to manage Achilles inflammation, and how you can prevent this pain from occurring in the future.
Why Is My Achilles Sore After Running?
Achilles pain during or after running is likely due to overload of the Achillies tendonAchilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury of the tendon that connects the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg, to the heel bone (your Achilles).
Your Achilles tendon may become irritated for a number of reasons. However, if you noticed Achilles pain after a run, it has most likely been caused by a sudden increase in the intensity or duration of your running. Putting your Achilles under too much stress can cause the tendon to tighten, and become overworked; resulting in pain. Other things that can cause a sore Achilles include unsupportive running shoes, which forces the Achilles to twist, overpronation, and poor form.
Achilles Tendinopathyis not isolated as a running injury – it is common in tennis and basketball players too.
Sore Achilles After Running – Should I Be Worried?
First things first – is a sore Achilles something to be concerned about? That depends. If it’s a mild discomfort, it can typically be treated at home with some self-management techniques. If it is an ongoing pain or inflammation concern, you may need to speak to a physiotherapist to better understand the severity of the injury and how you can treat the injury. Achilles tendinitis is often characterised by a dull or sharp pain
If you are experiencing a sore Achilles after running, it’s important that you listen to your body and do not continue to run if the pain is bad and more than a mild discomfort. Over time, the tendon can become less flexible and less tolerant of load.If the affected Achilles continues to be put under stress, over time it can form microtears which may eventually lead to rupture, causing a serious Achilles heel injury.
Treating an Achilles Injury
Treating an Achilles injury is dependent on how badly you have injured your tendon. As soon as you experience any pain or discomfort in the area, you should look to get a diagnosis as quickly as possible. The faster the treatment is applied to the tendon, the better your recovery will be.
In most cases Achilles injuries will improve with rest and conservative treatment. For more minor Achilles strains, the goal is to allow the body to complete natural repairs on its own. A patient should look to prevent any further injury or discomfort by limiting activities that aggravate the condition. More crucial home treatments include the following:
- Appropriate physical therapy and rehabilitation.
- Modifying activity
- Taping to unload the tendon
- Use shoe inserts, known as orthoses, which take pressure away from your tendon as it heals.
In very rare cases where the Achillies tendon is not improving or if a rupture has occurred, surgery may be required.
Recovery both at home and following surgery is long and slow. It is essential you follow the directions of your doctor and physiotherapist to give your Achilles the care it needs to recover properly.
Learn More About Achilles Pain with NQ Physio
If you have injured your Achilles running or from any other form of sport, it's best to get onto treatment as soon as possible. Continuing to ‘work through' the pain will only make the injury worse and elongate your recovery. Your best course of action is to contact your local physiotherapist.
If you’re based in North Queensland, turn NQ Physio solutions. Our leading team of knowledgeable physiotherapists provide leading sports injury treatment in Townsville. We will help your recovery through adequate rehabilitation exercises to get you back to running sooner. Our appointments will include providing you with stretching exercises for you to incorporate into your warm-up and warm-down routines so that you can prevent further injury. So, to successfully treat that sore Achilles after running, give our team a call today on (07) 4729 0055 and book an appointment.