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Achilles Tendonitis

Pain in the back of your heel or lower calf? Achilles tendonitis is a common but treatable condition. We'll help you get back to your active lifestyle.

Understanding Achilles Tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It's essential for walking, running, jumping, and climbing stairs. Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon becomes irritated, inflamed, or develops small tears due to overuse or strain.

This condition is common among runners and middle-aged people who play sports only on weekends, but it can affect anyone. Early treatment is important to prevent the condition from becoming chronic or leading to a tendon rupture.

Types of Achilles Tendonitis

  • Insertional Achilles Tendonitis: Affects the lower portion of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. Can occur at any age, even in inactive individuals.
  • Non-Insertional Achilles Tendonitis: Involves fibers in the middle portion of the tendon, above the heel. More common in younger, active people.

Symptoms

  • Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
  • Pain that worsens with activity
  • Severe pain the day after exercise
  • Thickening of the tendon
  • Bone spur formation (with insertional tendonitis)
  • Swelling that's present throughout the day
  • Tenderness when pressing on the tendon

Causes and Risk Factors

  • Sudden Increase in Activity: Ramping up exercise intensity or duration too quickly
  • Tight Calf Muscles: Limited flexibility puts more stress on the tendon
  • Bone Spurs: Extra bone growth can rub against the tendon
  • Running Hills: Especially running uphill
  • Improper Footwear: Worn-out or ill-fitting athletic shoes
  • Training on Hard Surfaces: Like concrete
  • Age: The tendon weakens with age
  • Flat Feet: Can add extra strain to the tendon

Treatment Options

Conservative Treatment

Most cases of Achilles tendonitis respond well to non-surgical treatment:

  • Rest: Reducing or modifying activities that aggravate the pain
  • Ice: Applying ice packs to reduce pain and swelling
  • Stretching: Specific exercises to stretch the calf muscles and Achilles tendon
  • Strengthening: Eccentric exercises that have been shown to help heal the tendon
  • Physical Therapy: Guided rehabilitation program
  • Heel Lifts: Reducing strain on the tendon
  • Custom Orthotics: Addressing underlying biomechanical issues
  • Night Splints: Maintaining stretch while sleeping
  • Anti-inflammatory Medications: Short-term pain relief
  • Shockwave Therapy: Stimulating healing in chronic cases

Surgical Treatment

If symptoms persist after 6 months of conservative treatment, surgery may be considered. Surgical options depend on the location and extent of tendon damage and may include:

  • Debridement (removing damaged tissue)
  • Tendon repair
  • Bone spur removal
  • Tendon transfer in severe cases

Prevention

  • Increase activity levels gradually
  • Stretch your calves and Achilles tendon daily
  • Strengthen your calf muscles
  • Wear appropriate shoes for your activity
  • Replace worn athletic shoes regularly
  • Vary your exercise routine
  • Listen to your body and rest when needed

Don't Let Achilles Pain Slow You Down

With proper treatment, most Achilles tendon problems heal completely. Get started today.

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