Running - Peak Physio

Achilles Tendinopathy – a common running injury

Peak Physio January 22, 2019

Running is an excellent way to get fit! However, sometimes when we start a new program we can feel little niggles beginning to arise. Achilles tendinopathy is a common injury among runners, especially those who are increasing their training load.

What is the achilles?

The achilles tendon is the biggest and strongest tendon in the body located in the back of the lower leg. The tendon has the capacity to resist large forces. It stems from the calf muscles (the gastrocnemius and soleus) and inserts into the heel of our foot (the calcaneus).

What is Achilles Tendinopathy?

A tendinopathy is a disorder which can happen when there is disrepair and disorganisation within the tendon structure. This can happen when there is excessive load placed on the structure, for example if someone starts running and increases their mileage too quickly.

The effects of overuse, poor circulation, lack of flexibility, gender, and hormonal factors can lead to tendinopathies. The structure of the tendon is disturbed by repetitive strain, causing inflammation. This cumulative microtrauma weakens the tendon, which ultimately leads to tendinopathy, especially if recovery is not allowed.

Training your Fitness

Eoin May 21, 2018

The graph above represents the power output, which can also be thought of as the intensity of an activity (x-axis), with regard to the corresponding heart rate (left axis) and lactate produced (right axis).

Tendinopathy in Sports

Eoin October 17, 2016

Tendinopathies are a common source of pain in athletes. However for coaches and patients it can be difficult to understand and acknowledge in training and competitions. They develop over the course of preseason where the intensity of the training is increased. Stereo-typically athletes experience an aching tendon or region at the start of a session, ease off once the tissue is warmed up and then a dull ache the next day for 24hours, slightly more than normally. If the ache in question is worse for greater than 48hours, the sporting activity is likely too much for the tissue at that time and a rehab plan should be started.

Peak Physio’s Rio Olympics 2016 Experience

Eoin October 7, 2016

Eoin Naughton, Peak Physio’s clinical director was selected to work as a Physiotherapist at the recent 2016 Summer Olympics, held in Rio. Here is his story of working at the biggest sporting event in the World.

Are you ready to start running? Check out our latest Blog to find out.

Eoin September 6, 2016

In recent years, there has been a significant increase in people running. With resources like couch to 5Km applications and programs, making running more appealing and accessible than ever. However, this increase has come with a cost. Before starting on one of these programs, I would highly recommend a physio consultation with a structured rehab plan specific to you and your body. These programs are generic, meant for the general population.

Plantar fasciitis or plantarfasciopathy. What is it and please fix me?

Eoin April 21, 2016

Plantar fasciopathy has been used as the new name for plantar fasciitis and it makes good sense why.

Plantar fasciopathy can be a runner’s nightmare. Athletes are training really hard, trying to increase their training load for the upcoming races and boom, they start to get pain in the bottom of their foot or heel.

The Stronger Athlete- Strength & Conditioning

Eoin January 20, 2016

The general incidence of lower body injuries in runner ranges from 19.4 to 79.3 percent. The knee is the most commonly injured body part (42%). The most common complaints are achilles tendinopathy, patellofemoral pain syndrome, shin splints, iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome, plantar fasciopathy and stress fractures of the foot and tibia.

Top Tips For Beginner Runners.

Eoin January 15, 2016

With the ringing in of a new year comes the commitment to resolutions which usually involve health. Gyms are exceptionally busier in January with the majority of us vowing to get fit this year. Running is a common starting place for most as it is free and requires little to no equipment. However, novice runners have a high injury risk and usually end up in a Physio clinic or quitting! So here is a list of tips to reduce the risk of injury and prolong your new running career.

How to Prevent Calf injuries for Runners.

Eoin December 9, 2015

Calf injuries are very common in running and are arguably the most frequent injury. As well as our normal running training, we walk a lot during the day and wear heels/ unsupported footwear which cause increased load in our calves. The extra load on the calf can lead to tightness or a calf tear. A calf tear can have you out of training for anything from 2-12 weeks depending on the type of tear you have.

Follow the simple tips below to prevent yourself from this injury.

How to warm up and the top stretches.

Eoin July 22, 2014

One of the questions I get asked the most is what are the best stretches to do.

Really you consider first the reason for doing the stretching. If its to get ready for an activity such as running or playing a sport you should warm up with dynamic stretching. If you are looking to increase your flexibility, warm down or prevent injury you can opt for static stretching.