Best Shoes for Achilles Tendonitis
If you feel an ache at the back of your leg or just above your heel, especially after you’ve been active, you may have Achilles tendonitis. Your Achilles tendon runs down the rear of your leg to connect your calf muscles to your heel bone.
Repetitive stress can cause irritation and swelling, which leads to aches and pains. This common injury is usually caused by overuse and is a regular foe for runners and basketball players. Fortunately it responds well to at-home treatments, and wearing supportive shoes can help you heal.
Achilles was known for having a vulnerable heel, but he’s not the only one with good reasons to protect this crucial connection! The Achilles tendon attaches your calf muscles to the back of your heel, and it gets put to work each time you walk, run or jump. Wear and tear is natural, especially as we age, and overdoing it physically can cause swelling and irritation. This swelling and irritation (called tendonitis) leads to aches and pains just above the heel.
It is rare for a single injury or incident to cause Achilles tendonitis. This kind of heel pain usually shows up after repeated stress and overuse. This makes it a regular issue for runners, or people who jump a lot—like basketball and tennis players. And it’s easier to overdo it when you are sedentary most of the time with bursts of activity, like “weekend warriors” who are active only a few days out of the week.
One of the most effective ways to manage Achilles tendonitis is through regular stretching exercises that target the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia. A common stretch that can help relieve pain and improve flexibility in the calf muscles and Achilles tendon is the ankle plantar fascia stretch. Check out the video below for a demonstration on how to perform this stretch.
Achilles tendon pain is a common condition that can cause discomfort and limit mobility in the affected area. There are several factors that can increase your risk of developing Achilles tendon pain. Below are some of the most common causes and risk factors:
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OveruseAchilles tendon pain is often caused by overuse, which can lead to repetitive stress on the tendon.Overuse
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TraumaA sudden injury, such as a fall or direct blow to the tendon, can also cause Achilles tendon pain.Trauma
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Poor footwearWearing shoes that do not provide adequate support or are worn out can put additional stress on the Achilles tendon.Poor footwear
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AgeAs you age, the Achilles tendon can become weaker and more susceptible to injury.Age
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GenderMen are more likely than women to develop Achilles tendon pain.Gender
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Sports participationSports that involve running and jumping, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer, can increase your risk of developing Achilles tendon pain.Sports participation
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Poor flexibilityTight calf muscles and limited ankle mobility can put additional stress on the Achilles tendon.Poor flexibility
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Chronic medical conditionsCertain medical conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, can increase your risk of developing Achilles tendon pain.Chronic medical conditions
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Achilles tendon pain can be a frustrating and limiting condition that can cause discomfort in the affected area. There are several symptoms associated with Achilles tendon pain that can range from mild to severe. Here are some of the most common symptoms:
- Pain: The most common symptom of Achilles tendon pain is pain in the back of the leg, near the heel or calf. The pain can be a dull ache or a sharp, shooting pain.
- Swelling: Swelling around the Achilles tendon is a common symptom of Achilles tendon pain. The swelling can be mild to severe and can make it difficult to move the affected area.
- Stiffness: Stiffness in the Achilles tendon is another common symptom of Achilles tendon pain. This can make it difficult to move the foot or ankle, especially in the morning or after a period of rest.
- Tenderness: Tenderness in the Achilles tendon is a common symptom of Achilles tendon pain. The affected area may be tender to the touch and may feel warm or inflamed.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to rest the affected area and seek proper medical attention if the pain persists or worsens. Taking steps to reduce your risk of developing Achilles tendon pain, such as wearing proper footwear and stretching regularly, can help prevent future injuries.
Facts and Stats
- The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body.
- Your Achilles tendon handles loads up to ten times your own body weight when active.
- The Achilles tendon is also called the calcaneal tendon.
Achilles tendon pain can be treated with a combination of methods to speed up the recovery process. Here are some treatment options to consider:
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RICE methodRest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest your foot, apply ice to the affected area, wrap with compression, and elevate your foot to reduce swelling and inflammation.RICE method
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Modify physical activitiesAvoid high-impact activities and switch to low-impact options such as swimming or cycling to give your tendon time to heal.Modify physical activities
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Stretching and exercisesRegular stretches and exercises can help prevent future injuries and strengthen the tendon and the muscles around it. Runner’s stretches, calf raises, and eccentric heel drops are a few examples of exercises that can be helpful.Stretching and exercises
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Physical therapyA physical therapist can guide you through stretches and exercises tailored to your specific needs and provide other treatments such as ultrasound therapy.Physical therapy
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MedicationsOver-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium can reduce pain and inflammation.Medications
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SurgeryIn severe cases where other treatments have failed, surgery may be required to repair or remove damaged tissue.Surgery
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Why do runners get Achilles tendonitis?
If you’re a runner or know people who are, you’ve probably heard of Achilles tendonitis. What makes this condition so common for those who pound the pavement? Well, it’s just that: pounding the pavement. Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury, and high impact activities like running put intense stress and pressure on your Achilles tendon. This leads to inflammation and irritation that causes pain.
You are more likely to suffer from Achilles tendonitis if you suddenly increase how often or how far you are running. Gradually work up to any new fitness routine, and make sure to wear supportive shoes to protect your body and help it recover!
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What are the best shoes for Achilles tendonitis?
Treating Achilles tendonitis is all about giving your damaged tendon the space and rest it needs to recover. You may not be able to stay off your feet entirely, so what do you do when you have to be on your feet for work or to finish your to-do list?
Shoes with plenty of cushion at the heel and support for the full length of the foot can reduce your risk of injury, and protecting your body from impact helps it heal more quickly if you’re already hurt. You also want to reduce strain on the tendon, so avoid high heels!
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Can I use custom orthotics with KURU shoes?
Due to the anatomical shape of the KURUSOLE, custom orthotics with a rounded heel fit best inside our shoes.
If the underside of the custom orthotic (the part that sits on the footbed) is squared off, then it may not fit into our deep heel cup—which is rounded like your foot.
That said, many of our customers tell us the KURUSOLE technology offers better support and stability than they expected, and they don’t need to wear their custom orthotics with KURU shoes.
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Are your shoes considered orthopedic shoes?
Even though KURU shoes were not initially intended to be orthopedic shoes, thousands of our customers say they experience relief from various foot conditions—including bunions!
While our shoes are not currently considered orthopedic by a medical standard, we have received thousands of positive reviews from customers who say their KURUs helped reduce or eliminate their pain.
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Foot and Lower Leg Strength -
7 Exercises That Pose Serious Risk to Your Feet
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The Relationship Between Your Weight and Plantar Fasciitis
At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.
Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.
KURUSOLE
Patented to protect your heels, nothing feels quite like KURUSOLE. Ample cushion and supreme support are just the beginning: our …Show More
Patented to protect your heels, nothing feels quite like KURUSOLE. Ample cushion and supreme support are just the beginning: our technology works with your natural biomechanics to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
Nature gave you a pillow of fat beneath your heel that acts as a cushion. This fat pad can get worn down and stretched out over time, but the dynamic flexing action of KURUSOLE cups and contains this pad of fat to maximize your natural cushion and reduce heel pain.
…Show lessKURUCLOUD
We all want to feel like we’re walking on clouds, and now it’s never been easier. Simply slip into KURUCLOUD comfort and let the …Show More
We all want to feel like we’re walking on clouds, and now it’s never been easier. Simply slip into KURUCLOUD comfort and let the premium foam cushion your every step. This blend of foams delivers a bouncy stride in a lightweight package, so you can feel light on your feet—even at the end of a difficult day.
…Show lessULTIMATE INSOLE
ULTIMATE INSOLES come in every pair of KURUs, so you can skip the hassle of purchasing inserts and moving them from shoe to shoe. We use dual-density …Show More
ULTIMATE INSOLES come in every pair of KURUs, so you can skip the hassle of purchasing inserts and moving them from shoe to shoe. We use dual-density foam that offers support where you need it and cushion just where you want it. Even better, the foams adapt to the unique shape of your feet over time for a more-custom fit. The result is all-day comfort you can count on—month after month.
…Show less
KURUSOLE
Patented to protect your heels, nothing feels quite like KURUSOLE. Ample cushion and supreme support are just the beginning: our technology works with your natural biomechanics to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
Nature gave you a pillow of fat beneath your heel that acts as a cushion. This fat pad can get worn down and stretched out over time, but the dynamic flexing action of KURUSOLE cups and contains this pad of fat to maximize your natural cushion and reduce heel pain.
Fine, We’ll Tell You Our Secret
What makes KURU different? Every KURU shoe comes with built-in patented KURUSOLE tech—a foot health game changer.
While other shoes are flat on the inside, KURUSOLE is shaped like your foot to hug and prevent fatigue and pain.
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