Achilles Tendinitis

There is a sufficient possibility of returning to marathons. The key is the structural recovery of the tendon tissue and the recovery of strength and elasticity in the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. You should increase the load-carrying capacity of the tendon through eccentric strengthening exercises and gradually increase the load in the order of treadmill → jogging → tempo run. The timing of return is determined after checking the condition of the tendons via ultrasound, and one is considered ready to return when they can jog for 20 minutes without pain. From a Korean medicine perspective, the key to returning to marathon running is whether kidney energy and liver energy—which supports muscles and tendons—have been sufficiently recovered. If kidney energy remains deficient before returning to exercise, circulation will be poor during training, increasing the risk of re-injury. At Dongjedang, during the preparation phase after treatment, we enhance tendon elasticity using bee venom and pharmacopuncture, and strengthen post-workout recovery with herbal medicine tailored to the individual's constitution. We also provide a guide on increasing individual training volume upon return.