Our tendons allow us to store and release elastic energy, making running feel springy, powerful, and efficient. When your foot meets the ground, the muscle-tendon system absorbs force and stores elastic energy. As you push off, some of that energy is returned, helping propel you into your next stride.
With age, tendon properties and the capacity to respond to loading can change. A runner may have excellent strength on conventional testing but still lack the rapid force production and elastic energy storage and return that contribute to efficient running.
Fortunately, our bodies retain the capacity to adapt. Understanding tendon physiology helps us make better decisions about strength training, recovery, and how to prepare for changes in terrain, speed, duration, and intensity.
Common Tendon Problems in Runners
Achilles tendinopathy — Pain or stiffness in the Achilles tendon, often noticeable in the morning, at the beginning of a run, or when running hills.
Patellar tendinopathy — Pain just below the kneecap, often aggravated by speed work, hills, or increased training intensity.
Proximal hamstring tendinopathy — Pain high in the hamstring near the sit bone, sometimes aggravated by faster running, hills, or prolonged sitting.
Gluteal tendinopathy — Pain along the outside of the hip, often associated with running, stairs, single-leg loading, or lying on the affected side.
Posterior tibial tendinopathy — Pain along the inside of the ankle or arch, involving a tendon important for supporting and controlling the foot.
Peroneal tendinopathy — Pain along the outside of the ankle or foot, sometimes associated with changes in terrain, ankle stability, or running demands.
Read my Blog post on Springiness here
