Can Shoes Cause Achilles Tendonitis?
Are you a long-distance runner who experienced pain or discomfort at the back of your lower leg? Or have you recently picked up sports such as tennis or basketball on the weekends and notice unusual pain in the muscles that connect your heel to your lower leg? You may be experiencing Achilles tendonitis. The culprit? Your shoes may be the cause. Luckily, here at Cherrywood Foot Care, our podiatrist in East Meadow can assess your injury and create a specialized treatment plan that’s right for you!
What is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is the overuse or inflammation of the tendon, the tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, after prolonged periods of physical activity. Symptoms include:
- Mild ache in the back of the lower leg or upper heel.
- Sensitive or tender to touch.
- Pain when performing physical activities that require the use of the calf or Achilles Tendon.
- Limited range of motion.
- Prolonged periods of pain after heavy physical activity such as running or stair climbing.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is caused by several factors that include:
- The repetitive or intensive strain on the tendon.
- Age- as you get older the tendon will weaken.
- Lack of warm-up/stretching
- Increasing the intensity or duration of physical activity such as running or hill climbing.
- Physical problems such as obesity or having a naturally flat arch put a strain on the tendon.
- Improper or worn-out shoes.
If you are seeking a treatment plan that is specialized for your needs, our podiatrist in East Meadow is here to help.
How Can Shoes Cause Achilles Tendonitis?
Believe it or not, your shoes are a contributing factor to Achilles Tendonitis. Shoes tend to wear out or change the shape of their heel over time. Losing support in the heel will put a strain on the tendon resulting in pain and discomfort. If you have been wearing your workout shoes for prolonged periods, it may be time to switch your old pairs. If you do not want to part ways with an older pair of shoes just yet, a quick stop at your local store and purchasing heel inserts can help. For women, wearing high heels tends to shorten the tendon making it vulnerable to pain and discomfort.
How Can Our Podiatrist In East Meadow Help You?
If you are experiencing severe, prolonged pain after your workout routine, it’s time to book an appointment with us at Cherrywood Foot Care. Our trained podiatrist in East Meadow will assess the severity of the issue and develop an effective course of action to get you back on your feet. If you would like to know more about how we can alleviate your Achilles tendonitis, contact us today!