Achilles Tendon Protector

Kendo is a known traditional Japanese martial art that is somewhat similar to fencing; it is fast becoming popular all over the world and it is among the Japanese sports where two participants in protective Kendo equipment lunge right at each other using a bamboo sword. The sport involves executing swift and strong steps forward and as a result, Kendo practitioners often suffer from various injuries to the lower legs and feet.
Generally, Achilles tendon pain is one of the most common issues of practitioners who train in this martial art and even if the Achilles tendon rupture is not the most frequent concern when it comes to a lot of sports injuries, it still requires adequate attention since ignoring this may only worsen the case for every Kendo practitioner. Since every Kendo player utilizes heavy protective gear and tends to take forward steps with their left foot from their default stance, the left Achilles tendon rupture occurs more frequently for these individuals.

The Achilles Tendon Protector

This specific tendon is known as a tough line of fibrous tissues that link a person’s calf muscles to their calcaneus or heel bone; it is also sometimes called the calcaneal tendon and it is known as one of the strongest and largest tendon in a person’s body. When the calf muscles of an individual flex, the Achilles tendon tugs on one’s heel; this allows a person to easily stand on the toes when running, jumping, and of course, walking. Yet despite its strength, this tendon is still vulnerable to various injuries since it has a limited supply of blood plus high tension is usually placed on it. Furthermore, the Achilles tendon allows a person to stand on the tip of their toes, extend their feet, and launch forward in Kendo.
The recovery from an Achilles injury can take a long time and mostly, those who have issues or concerns with their feet (such as being flat footed) are more prone to suffering from an Achilles tendon injury. However, the most common reasons for the Achilles injury include over usage of the foot, as well as the sudden increase of practice or physical activities.

Foot Problems Affecting the Achilles Tendon

The usual problems that affect this tendon are the following: tendo-calcaneal bursitis, tendonitis, tendinosis, and tendinopathy. These are the most common issues that affect most athletes especially basketball players, runners, or any individual who engages in sports that require constant jumping; this also include martial arts such as Kendo. These problems are also common in people who are quite active and even inactive middle-aged individuals; since these issues generally cause pain right behind a person’s calf, severe cases may possibly occur and result in the rupturing of one’s Achilles tendon.

Ways to Prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries

When engaging in Kendo, pain is definitely inevitable, but when it comes to injuries, these can be preventable. People can eventually learn how to deal with pain yet it is more vital to learn how to avoid injuries. Here are a few ways to prevent the Achilles tendon injuries:

  • Lessen one’s up or downhill running
  • If there is any form of tightness or pain along the foot area, immediately stop exercising
  • When it is necessary to boost the intensity of physical activities, do it slowly
  • Always utilize ankle compression or support just like an Achilles tendon protector to protect the area

If this is left untreated, it could turn into something more dangerous such as a tendon tear or rupture; the rupture would require an individual to undergo surgery and the healing process can actually take a long time. The tearing of a tendon can be fixed by a local osteopath or physiotherapist but it will prevent the practitioner from engaging in several weeks of Kendo activity.

Ways to Avoid Achilles Tendon Injuries

To further prevent the Achilles tendon injuries, always use and include an Achilles tendon protector in the set of Kendo equipment; these are specifically designed for Kendo and the Achilles protector is firm enough to protect this tendon to lessen the risk of further injuries or to even support an existing injury to prevent further damage. It is best to support the tendon with the use of an Achilles tendon protector since it applies adequate compression to the tendon while minimizing the stress from the problem area. These are usually made of shock absorbing and abrasion-resistant materials that help protect the tendon from friction as well as unnecessary pressure points.

Benefits of using Achilles Tendon Protector

Increases the Blood Flow

Using the Achilles tendon protector when one is not injured will help an individual improve their overall performance while also lowering the rate of fatigue that the muscles experience. Aside from increasing the blood flow, it will also aid a person to recover faster, allowing them to engage in the next workout sessions sooner than expected.

Helps Prevent Injuries

Wearing the Achilles protector can greatly help make one’s injury feel much better during the recovery process, plus it can also help an individual get through activities while simultaneously preventing more injuries that may occur. Aside from wearing the Achilles tendon protector, one must ensure to get massages and adequate rest when dealing with any type of lower leg injuries.