eval set · question 2 of 22 · graded by hand
My Achilles hurts when I run. How should I train through it?
None of the provided evidence cards directly address Achilles tendon pain management or training modifications for Achilles tendinopathy specifically. no source
General injury prevention evidence suggests individualized assessment and exercise-based treatment addressing biomechanical risk factors is recommended for runners with injury concerns. 1
Risk factors associated with higher injury prevalence (including ankle region) in amateur runners include less training experience, lack of professional guidance, rigid running surfaces, poor sleep, and low use of preventive measures. 2
Replacing running volume with strengthening-based training did not significantly reduce running-related injuries compared to conventional running training in novice runners. 3
Strength/plyometric training combined with running produced changes in running kinematics similar to a walking-to-running control program in novice runners. 4
What we can't tell you
- Specific guidance on training through or around Achilles tendon pain while running
- Whether continuing to run on a painful Achilles is safe or advisable
- Recommended rest, load management, or rehabilitation exercises for Achilles tendinopathy
- see a professional
Sources
Individualized assessment and exercise-based treatment addressing identified biomechanical risk factors is the best approach to running injury prevention, with biofeedback training for lowering ground reaction forces being one of the few proven effective methods.
pop. Runners (general population, no specific level, age, or sex stated) · direction Positive - individualized approach and specific biofeedback training reduce injury risk · design Review article · weak
Common Running Overuse Injuries and Prevention (2017) · doi 10.26773/MJSSM.2017.09.009
Amateur runners with less training experience, lack of professional guidance, rigid running surfaces, poor sleep quality, and low adoption of preventive measures have higher prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in the knee, shin/leg, and ankle regions.
pop. Amateur runners in Imperatriz-MA, Brazil (n=263) · direction negative (risk factors increase injury prevalence) · design retrospective observational cross-sectional · weak
Análise estatística de lesões osteomusculares em corredores amadores de Imperatriz-MA (2026) · doi 10.25248/reas.e24144.2026
Strengthening-based running training replacing running volume does not significantly reduce running-related injuries or improve maximal aerobic speed compared to conventional running training in novice runners.
pop. Novice runners, university students (38 females, mean age 21 ± 2.3 years, BMI 22.6 ± 2.97) · direction No significant difference between groups · design Randomized controlled pilot trial · weak
A Randomized Pilot Study Comparing the Impact of Strengthening-Based Running Training with Only Running on the Incidence of Running-Related Injuries among Novice Runners (2024) · doi 10.3390/sports12010025
Both 8 weeks of strength/plyometric training followed by 8 weeks of running and a control program of 8 weeks of walking followed by 8 weeks of running produce similar changes in running kinematics, with subjects running with a more extended leg during swing after training.
pop. Female novice runners (n=21 completed) · direction Positive for both groups; no differential effect between groups · design Randomized controlled trial · moderate
Effect of Strength and Plyometric Training on Kinematics in Female Novice Runners (2024) · doi 10.1519/JSC.0000000000004757