Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
Achilles tendinopathy is one of the most common conditions that we see in clinic. It is an overuse injury that causes inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of the Achilles tendon—the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s the largest tendon in the body and essential for walking, running, jumping, and pushing off with your foot. Achilles tendon injuries are particularly common in runners or sports such as football where running and jumping place significant loads—up to several times body weight—on the tendon.
There are many other causes of pain at the back of the heel so the first thing we do is to assess you and confirm the diagnosis.
What causes Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy is usually the result of repetitive strain or sudden increases in activity.
- Common causes include:
- Sudden increase in exercise intensity or duration
- Tight calf muscles or lack of flexibility
- Poor footwear (especially unsupportive shoes or high heels)
- Aging – the tendon becomes less flexible with age
Signs and Symptoms
You may be experiencing Achilles Tendinopathy if you notice:
- Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel or lower calf
- Pain that worsens with activity, especially running or climbing stairs
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
- Tenderness to touch
Types of Achilles Tendinopathy
There are two types of Achilles Tendinopathy. Mid-portion Achilles Tendinopathy which affects the middle of the tendon and Insertional Achilles Tendinopathy which involves the lower portion where the tendon attaches to the heel bone and is often accompanied by bursitis. They are treated quite differently and are often confused so correct diagnosis is key!
How we treat Achilles Tendinopathy at Hove Foot Clinic
Most cases respond well to conservative treatment such as strengthening and stretching exercises, footwear change, orthoses or heel lifts and shockwave therapy. It’s very important that exercises are tailored to you individually. Generic exercise programs are often unhelpful.
