Achilles Tendon Problems: Prevention
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Prevention
Most Achilles tendon injuries occur during sports and can be prevented. If you had an Achilles tendon problem in the past, it is especially important to try to prevent another injury by:
- Warming up and stretching. Before any sport or intense activity, gradually warm up your body by doing 5 to 10 minutes of walking or biking and then do stretching exercises. Calf stretches will stretch and strengthen the Achilles tendon and calf muscles. More general stretches
target other muscles, such as the hamstrings and groin. - Avoiding any sport or intense activity that you are not in condition to do.
- Wearing shoes that cushion your heel during sports or any strenuous activity.
- Wearing heel pads or other orthotics that are designed to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
| Last updated: | January 30, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Kathe Gallagher, MSW |
| Reviewed By: | Martin Gabica, MD - Family Medicine, Nicola Maffulli, MD, PhD - Orthopedics |
| Editors: | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS, Pat Truman, MATC |
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