Another winter Olympics have come and gone. The athletes did their best to win glory and gold for their countries. Seasoned veterans defended past titles, upsets occurred, and young athletes—like 15-year-old Russian figure skater Julia Lipnitskaia—wowed the world. There are other champions who operate unseen behind these world-class athletes, of course. They are the trainers and medical professionals working to keep everyone healthy and injury free. With their help, medalists worked to prevent Achilles injuries and other overuse problems that would hamper them in the games.
Achilles problems can ruin the day of non-Olympic athletes as well. Tendinitis, tendonosis, strains, and even ruptures can damage and severely weaken your body’s largest connector. Like our champions, however, you too can prevent injury to your Achilles tendon by investing in your lower limbs and taking a few precautionary measures.
Condition your feet and ankles to handle the stress of your sport or other activities. Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your exercise over time. Perform appropriate dynamic stretches before your activities and both dynamic and static stretches after you finish. Add an Achilles tendon strengthening section to your work-outs to build them up. Cross-train with low impact activities to reduce the strain on your connective tissues as well. Don’t forget to make sure your shoes are appropriately padded and supportive of your lower limbs.
You don’t have to be training for the next winter games to treat your lower legs like champs. A little care can go a long way to prevent Achilles injuries. If you have already developed an issue in your lower limbs, don’t wait to seek help. Contact our expert staff here at Absolute Foot Care Specialists in Las Vegas for an appointment or more information to take care of any potential problems. Call (702) 839-2010 or visit the online contact page to reach us.
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