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- Is Achilles Pain Slowing You Down? It Could Be Something Else! ๐ง
Is Achilles Pain Slowing You Down? It Could Be Something Else! ๐ง
Discover what might be behind stubborn Achilles pain and how to tackle it. ๐โโ๏ธ

2 min read โฑ๏ธ
Injured Achilles / Meet Your Plantaris ๐ก
3 Signs Your Pain Might Involve the Plantaris โ ๏ธ
How to Fix It! ๐ ๏ธ
Hey runners!
Have you got Achilles pain that just wonโt go away ๐ ?
Achilles pain can be really frustratingโฆ especially when it doesnโt seem to be getting any better.
Did you know that in nearly 1 out of 5 cases, the pain might actually be caused by a lesser-known tendon? Itโs called your Plantaris. ๐คฏ
Meet Your Plantaris
This small muscle can create big problems for runners, just like you.

This Long Tendon Here
Recent research has shown that about 18% of people with persistent Achilles pain might actually have plantaris tendinopathy.๐
This means that your Achilles itself is fine, but the plantaris tendon is causing all the trouble.
Here are 3 signs your pain might involve the plantaris tendon:
Medial Achilles pain (pain on the inner side) ๐.
Worsened pain when the foot flexes upward (dorsiflexion) ๐ฆถ.
No improvement from standard Achilles treatments like loading programs or exercises ๐๏ธโโ๏ธ.
What can you do if this sounds like you?
Reduce or modify your running/jumping movement by 50% ๐
Consider cutting out on hill running for a 4-6 weeks, or walking the hills ๐๏ธ
Avoid calf stretches, as they may worsen the pain ๐ฆต.
Try using shoes with a raised heel or adding an in-shoe heel lift (0.5mm should be enough)๐.
P.s - If your Achilles pain continues despite these changes, it might be time to consult with a professional who understands running for a more tailored treatment plan. ๐ก
Hope you found this useful! ๐
Coach Emma ๐

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