Is Achilles Pain Slowing You Down? It Could Be Something Else! ๐Ÿง

Discover what might be behind stubborn Achilles pain and how to tackle it. ๐Ÿƒโ€โ™‚๏ธ

2 min read โฑ๏ธ

  • Injured Achilles / Meet Your Plantaris ๐Ÿ’ก

  • 3 Signs Your Pain Might Involve the Plantaris โš ๏ธ

  • How to Fix It! ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

Hey runners!

Have you got Achilles pain that just wonโ€™t go away ๐Ÿ˜ ?

Achilles pain can be really frustratingโ€ฆ especially when it doesnโ€™t 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? Itโ€™s called your Plantaris. ๐Ÿคฏ

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.๐Ÿ“Š

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:

  1. Medial Achilles pain (pain on the inner side) ๐Ÿ˜–.

  2. Worsened pain when the foot flexes upward (dorsiflexion) ๐Ÿฆถ.

  3. No improvement from standard Achilles treatments like loading programs or exercises ๐Ÿ‹๏ธโ€โ™‚๏ธ.

What can you do if this sounds like you?

  • Reduce or modify your running/jumping movement by 50% ๐Ÿ“ˆ

  • Consider cutting out on hill running for a 4-6 weeks, or walking the hills ๐Ÿ”๏ธ

  • Avoid calf stretches, as they may worsen the pain ๐Ÿฆต.

  • Try using shoes with a raised heel or adding an in-shoe heel lift (0.5mm should be enough)๐Ÿ‘Ÿ.

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. ๐Ÿ’ก

Hope you found this useful! ๐ŸŒŸ 

Coach Emma ๐Ÿƒ

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