How do I Prevent a Foot Tendon Injury?

Like any other tendon or muscle injury, a foot tendon injury is most commonly caused by too much strain being placed on a tendon that is not prepared for such a strain. A foot tendon injury can occur in athletes or simply in people walking regularly. Some simple strategies can help most people prevent a foot tendon injury. The best way to combat such an injury is to appropriately warm up before exercise and stretch the foot so the muscles are limber and ready to accept greater than usual amounts of strain.

Perhaps the most important way to prevent a foot tendon injury is to wear a pair of shoes that fits correctly and offers adequate arch support. A good shoe will have plenty of cushion in the heel and in the ball of the foot, and it will be rigid enough to prevent excess movement, yet flexible enough to allow the foot to move naturally. Countless shoe choices exist for different athletic activities, and it is important to consider the proper shoe for the athletic activity in which you are participating. Unnatural movement of the foot can lead directly to strain and injury.

Sometimes corrective footwear is necessary to help prevent future foot tendon injury. This is usually the case for someone who has injured a foot tendon before. Sometimes an unnatural walking motion can lead to a foot tendon injury, so specially designed corrective footwear can help correct the issue. A doctor can tell you whether such a course of action may help you prevent further injury. If corrective footwear is not recommended, be sure to choose a supportive shoe with plenty of cushion and a strong arch.

The Achilles tendon is a series of fibers that runs from the heel of the foot into the calf. To prevent a foot tendon injury centered on the Achilles tendon, it is important to properly stretch the calf and Achilles tendon. This can be done using a calf stretcher at a gym or fitness center, or at home by lifting the toes of the foot against a wall and then leaning forward toward the wall. By effectively stretching the calf and Achilles tendon, the muscles in the leg become more flexible and limber. The muscles will be better prepared to handle the strain of physical activity. This stretch should be done both before and after a workout; stretching after a workout is a good way to develop long-term flexibility and muscle strength.