Having severe pain in the back of your heel may be an indication of Achilles tendonitis. The Achilles tendon is the large tendon that connects your heel to your calf, and when it becomes stretched or torn from overuse you can experience debilitating pain and discomfort.
For a minor strain of the Achilles tendon, resting will often improve the condition. In fact, you should always stop what you are doing if you notice heel pain since you could make the injury much worse by continuing the activity.
3 common causes of Achilles tendonitis include the following:
Starting an exercise program too quickly after extended couch sitting—Starting a workout program rapidly after years of sitting on the couch is just asking for a rupture to occur to your Achilles tendon. Always start a new exercise routine gradually so your tendons and muscles can become accustomed to the increased stress without causing injury.
Injury due to repetitive motion and stress—Participating in high impact sports like tennis and football and performing vigorous workouts can overly stress your tendons and cause them to stretch or possibly even break. When this happens, it can cause a loud popping sound with severe pain and an inability to stand on the foot.
Improperly-fitting footwear—Always wear shoes that have the proper heel and arch support. This is essential to keep your feet correctly oriented and supported. Also, make sure that your footwear is appropriate for the activity. For example, running shoes are not something you should wear on the tennis court!
If you need help treating Achilles tendonitis, see your foot doctor for a proper evaluation. Dr. Scott Nelson of Foot and Ankle Medical Clinic in Garland, TX, is a board-certified and highly experienced podiatrist who has helped people suffering from all types of foot and ankle injuries and deformities. From bunions to diabetic foot problems, sports injuries and fungal nails, you can trust that Dr. Nelson and his staff are wholeheartedly devoted to your foot health. Please contact our office with any questions you may have or to schedule an appointment by calling 972-414-9800.