This tendon is named after Achilles, who according to myth was protected from wounds by being dipped in a magical pond by his mother. She held him by the heel, which was not immersed, and later he died by an arrow wound to his heel.

The Achilles tendon is the connection between the heel and the most powerful muscle group in the body. This has long been known as a site prone to disabling injury. Forces up to 12 times body weight may arise during sporting activity.

Achilles tendonitis symptoms

Symptoms of achilles tendinitis caused by running are many and varied. However the usual onset can be gradual and catch the runner off guard.

Symptoms of achilles tendinitiscan include:

»Pain in the achilles whilst running.

»No pain noticed whilst running but the next day post exercise tenderness is seen and achilles tendnitis is suspected.

»Stiffness in the achilles prior to running that takes longer than normal to stretch out.

»Swelling around the back of the ankle is one of the main symptoms of achilles tendinitis.

»Redness or one achilles tendon appears hotter to the touch than the other. Again another big indicator that achilles tendinitis is present

»One running shoe starts to feel tighter than the other.

»Achilles tendinitis can cause pain around the achilles when increasing mileage and or changing running pattern. For example incorporating hill work into the training programme.

»Instability of the ankle when running, whilst not a usual symptom of achilles tendinitis it can occur as the achilles tendon cannot operate effectively.

»The feeling that the foot doesnt quite belong to you.

REMEMBER ACHILLES TENDINITIS CAN LEAD TO RUPTURE. IF IN DOUBT REST AND GET A MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL OPINION