The warm summer weather can make adults feel like kids again. The Weekend Warrior comes roaring out, and the excitement and bursts of exertion can lead to a very common injury among that group: Achilles tendinitis. "Achilles tendinitis is most common in people who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of exercise.
It's also common when someone hasn't been properly trained for their sport," says Jacob Erickson, D.O., Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System.
The Achilles tendon is a long band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. This tendon is used when walking, running, jumping or pushing up on your toes. But if it's injured, the pain , typically located in the back of your calf, and lack of function can throw you off your stride for months.
Recognizing when you're at risk for Achilles tendinitis and knowing how to prevent it can keep you walking, running and exercising without pain. Risk factors include: Your sex: Achilles tendinitis is most common in men. "Although you may be at risk for this type of injury, there are things you can do to help prevent it," says Dr.
Erickson. "For example, if you're beginning an exercise regimen , start slowly and gradually increase the duration and intensity of the training." Other tips include avoiding activities that place excessive stress on your tendons, such as hill running.
If you participate in a strenuous activity, warm up first by exercising at a slower pace. If you notice pai.
