Ways You Can Injure Your Achilles Tendon

Wondering how Achilles tendon injuries happen and how to prevent them? 

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, and it connects the calf muscles with the heel bone. Every time you lift your foot off the ground this tendon is responsible for helping you raise your heel. Therefore, it’s safe to say that without your Achilles tendon you wouldn’t be able to walk, run, or get around. Unfortunately, the Achilles tendon can also fall victim to injury. From the offices of our Fort Walton Beach and Crestview FL podiatrists, Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, here are some factors that could put you at risk for an Achilles tendon injury.


You’ve suddenly increased the intensity of your workouts 

It’s important that if you are participating in any sort of physical activity that you slowly increase the intensity or duration of the activity or sport. If you up the intensity too quickly the added stress can cause injury to the tendon. For example, you should slowly add miles to your run for several weeks until you reach the desired amount. Do not try to add several miles at once.


You just started working out 

Participating in any kind of physical activity is so important for a healthy body and mind; however, it’s also important that you are conditioning your body to take on the stress that’s going to be placed on your muscles, ligaments, and tendons (particularly in your feet and ankles). You should always warm up fully before jumping right into sports or any type of strenuous exercise. Proper conditioning and also proper cooldowns are important for maintaining a healthy, injury-free body.


You workout on uneven surfaces 

If you are a runner then this is one that may apply the most to you. After all, if you run trails or uneven surfaces you are increasing your risk for an Achilles tendon injury. You must be finding even paths and surfaces to run on to reduce the amount of stress being placed on your feet.


Your shoes are inappropriate or worn out 

Many people don’t wear properly fitted shoes when exercising, or they continue to wear the same shoes that they’ve had for years. These situations can both lead to foot and ankle injuries. You must swap out your tennis shoes for new ones at least once a year (more often for regular athletes). You also want to make sure that you are wearing the right shoes for your sport.

Treating your injury
Here at our office in Fort Walton Beach and Crestview FL, we offer the following treatments for Achilles injuries.

  • Laser treatment
  • Orthotics
  • Stem cell injections
  • Immobilization


We'll work with you to find a treatment method that works. Reach out to us today to learn more.

Contact us today
Are you experiencing heel pain or other symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury? If so, you must seek medical attention, especially if your symptoms are affecting your mobility. The team at Emerald Coast Podiatry is here to help patients living in and around Fort Walton Beach and Crestview, FL. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Cosimo Ricciardi and Dr. Neil Patel, call us at (850) 862-4119.


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