Heal a Sore Achilles Heel

An Achilles tendon injury is the bane of runners, walkers and for those who aren’t even active. The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscles. For runners and avid walkers, an Achilles injury might be the result of overuse, injury and/or improper footwear. Medication side effects and injuries can cause Achilles problems with the non-runners and walkers.

The best way to prevent an Achilles injury is warm-up and stretch before going out for runs and walks, and to do to strengthen exercises. However, most people don’t think about the Achilles tendon until its causing trouble. If that is the case, The best way to keep the injury from getting worse is to address the injury right away. Ignoring this pain will not make it go away.

Rest is the first course of action. If you suspect that an activity caused the pain, take a break from exercise that puts pressure on your foot. That means walking and running are out of the question. Swimming is an ideal alternative since there is virtually no impact in the water. You will also want to pay special attention to your footwear. High quality insoles and a built in heel pad can alleviate pain from the Achilles tendon.

Your doctor may prescribe non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for treatment of the pain and to reduce inflammation. This type of treatment is okay for short-term pain relief but not as recommended for long-term use. For a more healthful approach, look for natural pain relievers and anti-inflammatory agents. There are many formulas that can work as well as ibuprofen and other NSAIDs.

Additionally, making sure you have a balanced pH level will go along way in preventing injuries and illness in the first place. The more imbalanced your pH, the more likely it becomes that you will develop health problems, as the body needs to maintain a balanced pH to prevent illness and remain strong and functioning.