Achilles injury is one athletes all tend to fear

It is often said that injuries are part and parcel of sport – but are all types of injury accepted by our elite sportsmen and women, or are there some types of affliction they fear above all else on the field of play?

While head and neck injuries can be life-threatening and complicated fractures career-threatening, it is actually injuries to the soft tissues of the musculo-skeletal system which often cause athletes the greatest concern.

Cruciate ligament rupture will lead to a nine-month absence, with troublesome groin and severe hamstring injuries not too far behind in terms of time (and often income) lost.

Achilles tendon injuries are another – and one of the most frustrating types, whether you are a top professional, a fun-runner or play five-a-side football with your friends at the weekend.

So, how come such a small piece of our body can cause many of us so much pain and hassle?

The Achilles is the large, thick tendon, which comes from the calf muscle and inserts on to the back of the heel bone.

It transmits the contraction of the calf muscles, which move the foot, so it is easy to understand why repetitive movements, such as in road or treadmill running, result in injury to the tendon.

So what factors contribute to Achilles tendon injury? The most common is a sudden increase in training difficulty, especially with the addition of hill running or an increase in running speed.

Tight, poorly stretched calf muscles will increase the load on the tendon, with inflammation and pain the inevitable result.

But the other major cause and, for me, the most easily prevented, is poor footwear. If you are planning to get a bit fitter then take my advice – throw out your old trainers and invest in a good pair of running shoes.

The most common symptoms of Achilles tendon problems are pain and swelling over the tendon, first thing in the morning or aggravated during exercise.

The first stage in self-treatment is the most important – STOP RUNNING! Use ice locally (never directly on to the skin) and try anti-inflammatory medication if you can take it.

Take note, though – you should see a good sports physio at an early stage if you suffer an Achilles tendon problem.

If you ignore the early warning signs and don't look after the injury it may become chronic and very difficult to treat.

The one complication you don't want is a complete rupture of the tendon – described by those who have experienced it as feeling like they had been shot in the back of the leg.

An operation and a prolonged period of rehabilitation are almost always required – for some it may be the end of their career. Achilles injury is certainly one not to ignore.