Achilles Pain & Weak Glutes

A recent article by Smith et al ( 2013) has  shown that runners with Achilles Tendinopathy (chronic tendinitis) also have a delay in both Glute Mede and Glute Max activation and duration of firing. Unfortunately it does not tell us if Glute inactivity is the chicken or  the egg, but from a kinetic chain perspective it does make a great deal of sense.  Glute Mede and max are external rotators of the leg, and with out good firing patterns, it can also play a part in pronation (foot flattening out) of the foot.  Pronation is one mechanism of causing achilles injuries.   Either or, if your unsure have your therapist check for glute mede and max response to load, as well as its endurance if you are suffering from Achilles tendon pain.

Neuromotor Control of Gluteal Muscles in Runners with Achilles Tendinopathy
Smith, Melinda M.; Honeywill, Conor; Wyndow, Narelle; Crossley, Kay M.; Creaby, Mark W.
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise: 10 October 2013