Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
Achilles tendinopathy causes pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon, affecting the calf muscle and ankle.
For tailored treatment, book an appointment with our podiatrists.
For tailored treatment, book an appointment with our podiatrists.
What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon, running from the lower leg to the heel, is the body's largest and strongest tendon. It absorbs shock, stabilizes movement, and provides flexibility for pointing the feet.
What causes Achilles tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is a range of injuries to the Achilles tendon, which can be caused by sudden movements or overuse.
Achilles tendinopathy can affect people of all age groups and walks of life. However, it is particularly common in athletes.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy
The classic signs and symptoms are:
- Stiffness in the Achilles tendon
- Increasing pain in your calf or heel
- Swelling at the back of your ankle
- The tendon may be tender to the touch
- A grating noise or creaking feelingPain can fluctuate and worsen in the morning or after exercise. Stiffness may increase after inactivity.
Sudden, severe calf or heel pain could indicate an Achilles tendon rupture. Seek immediate medical care if this happens.
What is the best treatment for Achilles tendinopathy
If you have Achilles tendon pain, seek help.
Our podiatrist will assess your leg, ankle, and heel.
Initial treatment includes:
- Rest from strenuous activities that may have caused it
- Painkillers to reduce the inflammation of the Achilles tendon
- Applying ice packs to lessen swelling
- heel-lowering exercises to strengthen and stretch the tendon
Treatment for chronic Achilles tendinopathy
If you still have pain after six weeks, it could be chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and non-surgical treatments may be necessary, including:
- A biomechanical assessment evaluates lower limb function and gait to diagnose foot pain or symptoms
- Exercises – To improve the strength and flexibility of your Achilles tendon
- Manual therapies – applied to the tendon will improve the range and quality of motion
- Shockwave Therapy - reduces pain and accelerates healing of damaged tissues, a non invasisve aklternative to steriod injections
- Insoles & Orthotics – will help you improve your body movement and lessen the pressure on your Achilles.
- Steroid Injections – helps to treat chronic inflammation by reducing swelling and pain
In really bad cases when other treatments haven't worked and the pain has been sticking around for months, we might suggest surgery or injection therapy. Both come with risks and take a long time to recover from.
Preventing Achilles tendinopathy
When working or exercising, always make sure you:
- use the appropriate equipment and techniques
- avoid repetitive motions that strain your Achilles tendons
- gradually increase exercise intensity
- always warm up, cool down, and stretch
- follow a healthy diet
- wear well-fitting, supportive footwear
- keep an eye on underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and Type 2 Diabetes.