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.


Salmon & Quinoa Bowls with Green Beans, Olives & Feta

By Zina Stone • November 13, 2025
Ingredients 450g salmon fillet ½ teaspoon salt, divided ¼ teaspoon ground pepper 30g string beans (green, yellow, or a mix), trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces 1 ¾ cups water ¾ cup quinoa (red, white, or tricolored), rinsed 3 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano, plus more for garnish, or 1/2 tsp. dried 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved or sliced Instructions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Place salmon filet on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle with 1/8 tsp. salt and pepper. Bake until the salmon is no longer opaque in the center and flakes easily with a fork, 20 to 25 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes, then flake the salmon into bite-size pieces (discard the skin). Meanwhile, bring 1 inch of water to a boil in a medium saucepan fitted with a steamer basket. Add 8 ounces beans; cover and cook until tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Rinse the beans under cold water, drain well, and set aside. Combine 1 ¾ water, ¾ quinoa, and 1/8 tsp. salt in the saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer until the quinoa is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, 15 to 20 minutes. Fluff with a fork. Whisk 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons oil, 1 clove minced garlic, 2 teaspoons chopped oregano, and the remaining 1/4 tsp. salt in a small bowl. To serve, divide the quinoa among 4 dinner bowls. Arrange the salmon, beans, tomato, feta, and olives over the quinoa. Drizzle with the dressing and garnish with more fresh oregano, if desired. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 30 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes | Total time: 45 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 480kcal | Protein: 30g | Fat: 28g | Carbohydrates: 28g

Freedom Bulletin #305

By Zina Stone • November 4, 2025
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Oven Roasted Barramundi with Tomato & Olives

By Zina Stone • November 4, 2025
Ingredients 500g barramundi fillets 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and black pepper, to taste 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved ½ cup mixed olives, sliced 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tbsp capers, drained Zest of 1 lemon ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped Lemon wedges, to serve Instructions Prepare the Barramundi Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Pat the barramundi fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place them on a lined baking tray. 2. Make the Tomato & Olive Medley In a bowl, mix cherry tomatoes, olives, garlic, capers, lemon zest, and half the parsley. Toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. 3. Roast and Serve Spoon the tomato and olive mixture over the fish. Roast in the oven for 12–15 minutes until the barramundi is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from the oven, garnish with the remaining parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice, and serve warm. Nutrition and Cooking Times Serves: 4 | Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 15 minutes Nutrient Value per serve: Calories: 350kcal | Protein: 35g | Fat: 4g | Carbohydrates: 10g