At Balance Foot & Ankle, you hear us talk a lot about – you guessed it – feet and ankles. But given how interconnected your lower extremities are, it’s important not to overlook common ailments people experience in areas like the Achilles tendon and lower leg. Anyone who regularly runs, walks, or plays repetitive impact sports has likely dealt with pain in the area just above the ankle.

Here’s what you need to know about Achilles tendonitis and shin splints.

What is Achilles tendonitis?

The Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that connects the back of your heel to your calf muscles. It plays an important role in any physical activity involving your feet, and any sudden increase in activity level or intensity can cause this area to become inflamed. If the pain isn’t too serious, it can likely be treated effectively at home by decreasing activity levels and treating the tendon with ice, compression, and elevation.

What are shin splints?

Similar to Achilles tendonitis, shin splints tend to impact anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet or upon suddenly increasing physical activity. Shin splints typically involve feeling tenderness or pain (can be sharp or dull) along the side of your shinbone. At first, the pain might not be that serious and can subside after stopping exercise. But over time, if you don’t allow time to rest, the pain will likely intensify and you increase the risk of it turning into a stress fracture.

What you can do to treat and prevent these injuries?

If pain in your Achilles and shin persists for more than a week or two after resting, it might be time to see a doctor. More serious and complex cases may involve advanced diagnostic testing that will determine if surgery or an extended recovery period are needed.

To avoid Achilles tendonitis and shin splints, always increase your activity levels gradually. If you’re just getting into running, for example, start off slow and keep your runs short until your body is used to the impact. Proper footwear is also key – make sure you have shoes that fit properly, are designed for the activity you’re doing, and aren’t overly worn.

In addition to these precautions, strengthening your feet and ankles can help build a more durable Achilles tendon. Each of the muscles and tendons below your knees are highly dependent on each other, and a weakness or imbalance in one area can sideline you from your favorite activities if you’re not careful. When it comes to improving strength and mobility, check out our “Yoga for Foot & Ankle Strength” article to learn more.

Let us restore your balance.

If you notice the discomfort in your heels persisting, our trusted team of podiatrists at Balance Foot & Ankle can work with you to alleviate the pain by customizing a treatment plan to your lifestyle.

Schedule your appointment today!