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.


By Zina Stone February 5, 2026
Ingredients ¼ cup sesame oil, divided 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 3 cups riced cauliflower (see Tip) 1 pound large shrimp (31-35 count), peeled and deveined 3 cups broccoli florets 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced (about 1 cup) 3 cloves garlic, sliced 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari 2 tablespoons water 1 tablespoon rice vinegar ½ teaspoon ground pepper Instructions Step 1 Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large flat-bottomed carbon-steel wok or large, heavy skillet over high heat. Add eggs and cook, without stirring, until fully cooked on one side, about 30 seconds. Flip and cook until just cooked through, about 15 seconds. Transfer to a cutting board and cut into 1/2-inch pieces. Step 2 Add 2 teaspoons oil to the pan; heat over high heat. Add cauliflower in an even layer; cook, undisturbed, until lightly browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate. Step 3 Add 2 teaspoons oil to the pan; heat over high heat. Add shrimp; cook, stirring often, until just opaque, about 3 minutes. Transfer to the plate with the cauliflower. Step 4 Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil to the pan; heat over high heat. Add broccoli, bell pepper and garlic; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly charred, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in soy sauce (or tamari), water, vinegar and pepper. Bring to a boil; boil for 30 seconds. Remove from the heat. Stir in the reserved eggs, cauliflower and shrimp. Step 5 Season well with salt, pepper, and any optional spices. Step 6 Divide the mixture evenly between muffin cups. Step 7 Bake for 40 minutes , or until set in the centre and lightly golden on top. Step 8 Cool for 5 minutes before removing from the tray. Nutrition and Cooking Times Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 25minutes Serves: 4 Nutrient Value (per serving): Calories: 309cal | Protein: 30g | Fat: 17g | Carbohydrates: 10g |
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