December 13, 2021

Achilles Tendon

Freedom Health Topic

 

The Achilles Tendon

 

The Achilles tendon is the thick cord like tendon that is located at the back of your leg attaching your calf muscle to your heel. It is the bodies largest and strongest tendon that helps you walk, run and stand on your tiptoes.


As we age the Achilles tendon can stiffen and become less flexible. This can lead to straining or can even cause a rupture.


Achilles Tendinopathy (strain) generally occurs from overuse, runners especially.

Not warming up, training on hard surfaces, having tight calf muscles, increasing workload, wearing old or unsupportive shoes can all contribute to causing a strain.


After straining the Achilles, people will feel localised pain when walking with heat and redness in the inflamed area.


There are 3 types of Achilles tendinopathy


Mild - pain when walking

Moderate - swelling sometimes with a lump

Severe - very painful sometimes leading to rupture.

Rest and ice packs (R.I.C.E) will help, but this injury is very reoccurring. 

 

PREVENTION


  • Stretch - Stretch - Stretch
  • Calf & foot exercises
  • Avoid a dramatic increase in training load
  • Wear correct supportive shoes (when required)
  • Keep the body in balance
  • Maintain a healthy weight


All tendons in general don't like shock or "random" training. Aim to progressively load calf exercises including, but not limited to; small hops, single leg jumps, skipping and calf raises. You may be surprised how you can stay injury free by just doing a couple of 1%er's each day.


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Ingredients 1 lb. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, divided ½ medium yellow onion, diced 1 medium red bell pepper, diced 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 (15-ounce) fire-roasted diced tomatoes 1 (14-ounce) can full-fat coconut milk 1 (15-ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 (12-ounce) bag frozen cauliflower florets 2 tablespoons curry powder ½ teaspoon ground turmeric ¼ teaspoon dried ginger (or 1 teaspoon fresh peeled ginger, grated or finely minced) ½ teaspoon fine salt Pinch of black pepper 2 large handfuls fresh baby spinach (about 3 ounces) Optional For Serving: Chopped fresh cilantro, steamed rice, and lime wedges Instructions Step 1 Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons of oil and swirl to coat. Add the chicken and cook, 5-6 minutes, until almost cooked through, stirring occasionally. Step 2 Remove the chicken to a clean plate and set aside. Step 3 To the pan, add the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil to the skillet and swirl to coat. Add the onions and peppers and cook for 5 minutes or until the onions start to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic and continue cooking for 1 minute or until fragrant. Step 4 Add the cooked chicken back to the pan along with the tomatoes (and their juice), coconut milk, drained chickpeas, frozen cauliflower, curry powder, turmeric, ginger, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine. Bring just to a boil. Reduce the heat, cover, and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring once or twice. Step 5 Remove the lid from the skillet and add the spinach. Stir and allow the spinach to wilt, 2-3 minutes, then serve over steamed rice with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Nutrition and Cooking Times Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 20minutes Serves: 4 Nutrient Value (per serving): Calories: 375cal | Protein: 26g | Fat: 17g | Carbohydrates: 29g |
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