LA CROSSE, Wis. ― The warm summer weather can make adults feel like kids again. The Weekend Warrior comes roaring out, and the excitement and bursts of exertion can lead to a very common injury among that group: Achilles tendinitis.

"Achilles tendinitis is most common in people who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of exercise. It's also common when someone hasn't been properly trained for their sport," says Jacob Erickson, D.O., Sports Medicine, Mayo Clinic Health System.

The Achilles tendon is a long band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. This tendon is used when walking, running, jumping or pushing up on your toes. But if it's injured, the pain, typically located in the back of your calf, and lack of function can throw you off your stride for months.

Recognizing when you're at risk for Achilles tendinitis and knowing how to prevent it can keep you walking, running and exercising without pain. Risk factors include:

•Your sex: Achilles tendinitis is most common in men.

•Age: You're at a higher risk as you get older.

•Flat feet: A naturally flat arch in your foot can put more strain on the Achilles tendon.

•Obesity: Carrying extra pounds also increases tendon strain.

•Poor footwear: Running in worn-out shoes or wearing footwear inappropriate for your sport can injure the tendon.

•Weather and terrain: Tendon pain occurs more frequently in cold weather than when it's warm out. Running on hills also can put more stress on your Achilles tendon.

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