Sports Medicine Project #113 - Never do these 10 Things as a Runner with Achilles Tendinopathy
1. Keep Intensity the Same
This is the biggest and easiest mistake. If your Achilles is sore, what will aggravate it most is higher rates of loading—formally, this happens more when you run faster. Yes, it might warm up during the run, but you’ll pay for it 24 hours later. You need to stress it just a little, see how it responds, and build from there.
2. Rest, Then Go Straight Back to Full Load
You shouldn’t completely rest and then jump straight back to the same training load. If you usually do speed work on Tuesdays, and you’ve had a week or two off, that first run back shouldn’t be the same session. Don’t do that. Start gradually—try something like 6 x 1-minute efforts and progress from there.
3. Wear Flat Shoes
Heel pitch helps Achilles tendon pain. A higher heel reduces both tensile and compressive forces by limiting dorsiflexion. Achilles pain isn’t just about the run—it’s about everything you do throughout the week. If you’re on your feet all day, even if it’s not sore at the time, that will contribute to your pain during training.
4. Not Question the Diagnosis
Sometimes, it’s not Achilles tendinopathy. Yes, if you’ve had it before, you can get it again—but not always. Other things mimic Achilles pain. Be sure.
5. Keep Training Load the Same
If you’re dealing with Achilles pain, take something away. Reduce intensity or volume—adjust something. If you’re not sure how, see someone who can help you make it graded.
6. Think the Adjuncts Are the Answer
They can help, but they’re not the solution. Shockwave, massage, needling—useful, sure. But if you’re not loading appropriately, nothing else will fix it.
7. Not Load It Properly
You have to load it. Strength, plyometrics, progressing appropriately—it all matters.
8. Smash the Anti-Inflammatories and Think That’s Enough
Anti-inflammatories aren’t bad, but if that’s all you’re doing, you’re missing the point. This isn’t an inflammatory condition—it’s a load issue.
9. Think Injections Are the Quick Fix
Too many people jump to injections too early. They can have a role in specific cases, but they’re not a cure.
10. Ignore the Psychology Behind Injury
This is huge. Achilles pain isn’t just about the tendon—it’s about the mental load of not running, the frustration, the identity shift. Understanding this can change everything.
Achilles tendinopathy, injury management, running injuries, health professionals, rehabilitation, load management, resistance training, anti-inflammatories, psychological impact, running performance