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.


Chicken & Broccoli Stew

By Zina Stone • April 22, 2025
 Chicken & Broccoli Stew  2 servings | 30 minutes  INGREDIENTS 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil 10 ozs Chicken Breast (cut into cubes) 1/2 tsp Sea Salt (divided) 2 Garlic (clove, minced) 1 1/2 pints Bone Broth 2 cups Broccoli (chopped into florets) 1/2 cup Canned Coconut Milk (full fat) 1/2 Lemon (juiced)  METHOD Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Season the chicken cubes with half of the salt. Add the chicken to the pot and sauté for about five minutes or until browned on all sides. Add the garlic and sauté for another minute. Add the broth, cover the pot with a lid and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes. Add the broccoli and coconut milk and add the remaining salt. Stir and cover the pot again. Simmer for another 10 minutes or until everything is cooked through. Remove from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and enjoy!  NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Freeze for up to two months. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately 1 1/2 cups. More Flavor: Add carrot and celery.  Nutrition Facts ​  ​ Amount per serving ​  515 calories  27g fat  15g carbs  4g fiber  4g sugar  49g protein  156mg cholesterol  1285mg sodium  3mg iron

Sheet Pan Smoky Sweet Salmon & Potatoes

By Zina Stone • April 9, 2025
Sheet Pan Smoky Sweet Salmon & Potatoes 2 servings | 35 minutes INGREDIENTS 2 cups Mini Potatoes (halved) 1 1/2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil(divided) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 12 ozs Salmon Fillet 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika 1/4 tsp Cumin 1 tsp Raw Honey 1 tbsp Parsley (finely chopped) METHOD Preheat the oven to 425oF (220oC). Place the potatoes on a baking sheet and toss with half the oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer to the oven and bake for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, pat the salmon dry and then drizzle with the remaining oil. Season with the smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper and then drizzle the honey over top. Rub gently to incorporate with your hands. Move the potatoes around on the baking sheet to make room for the salmon. Place back in the oven and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until cooked through. Divide onto plates and garnish with parsley. Enjoy! Notes Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is approximately one cup of potatoes and one salmon fillet. More Flavor: Toss the potatoes with smoked paprika and cumin or your favorite spice blend. Additional Toppings: Top with a squeeze of lemon juice. Nutrition Facts ​ ​ Amount per serving ​  441 calories 18g fat 30g carbs 3g fiber 4g sugar 41g protein 87mg cholesterol 144mg sodium 2mg iron

Baja Fish Stew

By Zina Stone • April 3, 2025
Baja Fish Stew 3 servings | 30 minutes  INGREDIENTS 2 Cod Fillet (cut into strips) 12 ozs Shrimp (large, peeled, deveined) 6 Garlic (clove, minced, divided) 1 Red Hot Chili Pepper (chopped finely) Sea Salt & Black Pepper (to taste) 2 tbsps Extra Virgin Olive Oil 6 stalks Green Onion (thinly sliced) 1 Green Bell Pepper (medium, sliced) 2 cups Chicken Broth 3 cups Diced Tomatoes (from the can, with the juices) 1/3 cup Lime Juice 1/2 cup Cilantro (chopped) METHOD In a bowl, combine the cod, shrimp, 1/3 of the garlic, and chili peppers. Toss to coat and season with salt and pepper. Set aside. Heat the oil in a pot over medium heat. Add the green onions, bell peppers, and the remaining garlic. Cook for five to seven minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Add the chicken broth and the tomatoes. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to a simmer, then add the fish mixture and lime juice. Cook for an additional three to four minutes or until the fish and shrimp are cooked through. Remove from the heat and stir in the cilantro. Divide into bowls and enjoy! NOTES Leftovers: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days. Serving Size: One serving is equal to approximately 2 1/3 cups. More Flavor: Add coconut milk. Filet Size: One cod fillet is equal to 231 grams or eight ounces. Nutrition Facts ​ ​ Amount per serving ​400 calories 11g fat 18g carbs 4g fiber 10g sugar 55g protein 252mg cholesterol 884mg sodium 3mg iron
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