Achilles Pain After Running You’ve just finished a jog, and you can feel the rush of endorphins leaving you feeling on top of the world. But you’re also feeling some pain in your heel bone. And you suddenly realize that not everything is A-OK. What you’re experiencing is Achilles pain — something that is an all-too-common complaint from runners. Fortunately, you don’t have to sit back and take the pain: you can do something about it. Here’s a rundown on what you can do if you’re suffering from Achilles’ pain after running. Let’s jump in! Treatment for Achilles Pain After Running If you’re feeling pain in your Achilles tendon area, also called tendonitis, you should use a method called “RICE” to avoid further damage. For starters, “rest,” or try taking it easy. This means that if you are going to walk, don’t do too much of it. Also, don’t be afraid to take over-the-counter medications if you need them. Second, use “ice.” Place a relatively thin towel over your ankle’s back area. Then, apply a pack of ice to this area for about 20 minutes each hour. Third, take advantage of “compression.” In other words, wrap the injured ankle with an elastic bandage to prevent your ankle from swelling. Fourth, “elevate” your foot. While you are resting, keep the injured ankle slightly above or at the level of your heart. Also, note that you can still engage in activities you enjoy as long as you can physically tolerate them. These include, for example, strength training, biking, and swimming. You could also add a five-millimeter heel lift in your shoes to keep your Achilles tendon from stretching as much. This will help you when you resume your running regimen. Next Steps If your Achilles tendon symptoms do not resolve by themselves within a handful of months, it may behoove you to see a chiropractor. Be sure to visit one who has experience with treating Achilles tendon pain. The reality is, in many situations, Achilles tendon issues may be due to misalignment in a person’s other body areas. For instance, perhaps your joints are misaligned. In this situation, extra stress may be placed on your Achilles tendons and other joints. To minimize this stress on the joints, a chiropractor can adjust your joints, including your spine, to make sure that you have proper alignment. Other therapies can also be helpful for reducing inflammation in your tendon. These include bracing and electrical muscle stimulation. Additional therapies that might help you once your inflammation has gone down include physical therapies, massage, and strengthening exercises. How We Can Help We offer top-of-the-line services involving diagnosing and treating the root causes of runners’ various problems, including Achilles’ pain after running. We stand out in that we provide unconventional approaches to solving your health issue. Our goal? To decrease your pain and boost your mobility in your Achilles tendon long term. Get in touch with us to learn more about how we can help you to run better and without pain in the months ahead.