Is Achilles Pain Slowing You Down? It Could Be Something Else! 🧐

2 min read ⏱️

• Injured Achilles / Meet Your Plantaris 💡

• 3 Signs Your Pain Might Involve the Plantaris ⚠️

• How to Fix It! 🛠️

Hey runners!

Have you got Achilles pain that just won’t go away 😠?

Achilles pain can be really frustrating… especially when it doesn’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? It’s called your Plantaris. 🤯

Meet Your Plantaris

This small muscle can create big problems for runners, just like you.

Recent research has shown that about 18% of people with persistent Achilles pain might actually have plantaris tendinopathy.📊

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) 😖.

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

3. No improvement from standard Achilles treatments like loading programs or exercises 🏋️‍♂️.

What can you do if this sounds like you?

• Reduce or modify your running/jumping movement by 50% 📈

• Consider cutting out on hill running for a 4-6 weeks, or walking the hills 🏔️

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

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

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. 💡

Hope you found this useful! 🌟 

Coach Emma 🏃