Achilles tendon alert to sudden outdoor exercise
Apr 03, 2025
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The Achilles tendon (tendon) is an important structure that creates reaction in our steps when walking or running, and is the thickest and strongest tendon in our body. The Achilles tendon is attached to the thigh bone above the knee joint through the muscles behind the calf, and below it is attached to the back of the heel bone, playing an important role in lifting the body off the ground vigorously when walking or running.
This large, strong tendon has a large load on every walk and is a tendon that requires frequent work, but ruptures are surprisingly common because blood circulation is weak compared to its role. Chronic degenerative changes or pain behind the heel can sometimes rupture, but during exercises that require sudden acceleration and deceleration or jumping, rupture with pain is more common due to a sudden feeling of 'tuk' due to the instantaneous contraction of the calf muscle.
Professor Bae Seo-young of the Foot Joint Center at Inje University Sanggye Paik Hospital said, `In order to prevent Achilles tendon rupture, proper stretching of calf muscle is essential before and after exercise, and if the flexibility and quickness of the entire body are reduced, there is a moment when the Achilles tend to bear a sudden load, so full-body warm-up is essential."It is dangerous to suddenly increase the intensity of exercise before the rigid body adjusts, especially in winter to spring, or in weather with large daily temperature differences, such as these days."
Chronic tendonitis of the Achilles tendon can lead to rupture. However, degenerative changes are not always accompanied by pain, so there are many cases where you do not recognize whether there is a change. In particular, if the Achilles tendon is relatively short by nature, stretching should be made a habit not only before and after exercise, but also during normal times, and if there are symptoms such as pulling, pain, or thickening of tendons, it may be necessary to adjust the activity, so it is recommended to seek orthopedic treatment.
Professor Bae Seo-young advised that "Achilles tendon requires surgery and a long recovery process, so it usually takes more than six months to resume exercise". "Stretching must not be forgotten before and after outdoor activities such as warm spring weather, outdoor exercise, and hiking."
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
