Achilles tendinitis is an overuse condition that causes pain, stiffness, and inflammation along the tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. Symptoms can make walking, running, climbing stairs, and participating in sports uncomfortable.
At Preferred Footcare, our podiatrists provide personalized Achilles tendinitis treatment in Stamford, Connecticut. We evaluate the location and severity of your symptoms, determine what may be placing stress on the tendon, and develop a treatment plan based on your needs.
If pain at the back of your heel or ankle is interfering with your activities, call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment with Preferred Footcare.
Request an AppointmentWhat Is Achilles Tendinitis?
The Achilles tendon is the large tendon located at the back of the ankle. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and helps you lift your heel when walking, running, jumping, or standing on your toes.
Achilles tendinitis develops when the tendon becomes irritated from repetitive strain. Symptoms may begin gradually and worsen when the tendon continues to be placed under excessive stress.
There are two primary types of Achilles tendinitis:
Insertional Achilles Tendinitis
Insertional Achilles tendinitis affects the lower portion of the tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. It can occur in active or inactive individuals and may be associated with a bony prominence or heel spur at the back of the heel.
Noninsertional Achilles Tendinitis
Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis affects the middle portion of the tendon above the heel. It is commonly associated with repetitive activity and may cause the tendon to become swollen or thickened.
Achilles tendinitis is different from an Achilles tendon rupture. A rupture is a partial or complete tear that may occur suddenly and requires prompt medical evaluation.
What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is commonly caused by repeated stress on the tendon rather than a single injury. The condition may develop when activity is increased too rapidly or when the tendon does not have enough time to recover.
Contributing factors may include:
- A sudden increase in running or exercise
- Repetitive jumping or high-impact activity
- Inadequate rest between workouts
- Tight calf muscles
- Limited ankle flexibility
- Flat feet or abnormal foot movement
- Exercising in worn or unsupportive shoes
- Running on hills or uneven surfaces
- Returning to activity too quickly after a break
- A bone spur at the back of the heel
- Age-related changes in the tendon
Athletes are not the only people who can develop Achilles tendinitis. The condition can also affect individuals whose work, hobbies, or daily routines repeatedly place pressure on the tendon.
Identifying the factors contributing to the condition can help guide treatment and reduce the likelihood of recurring symptoms.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis
Symptoms often begin as a mild ache at the back of the heel or lower leg. The discomfort may gradually become more noticeable during or after physical activity.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain along the Achilles tendon
- Pain at the back of the heel
- Morning stiffness in the tendon
- Tenderness when touching the affected area
- Swelling around the back of the ankle
- Thickening of the tendon
- Pain when climbing stairs or walking uphill
- Discomfort when running or jumping
- Reduced ankle flexibility
- A painful bump at the back of the heel
- Increased pain when wearing certain shoes
Symptoms may improve after the tendon warms up but return following exercise or prolonged activity.
When to Seek Prompt Medical Attention
A sudden pop, sharp pain, significant weakness, or difficulty pushing off the foot may indicate an Achilles tendon rupture. Seek prompt medical attention if these symptoms occur, especially if you are unable to walk normally or stand on your toes.
How Achilles Tendinitis Is Diagnosed
An accurate diagnosis helps distinguish Achilles tendinitis from a tendon rupture, bursitis, heel spur, or another condition causing pain at the back of the heel.
During your appointment, the podiatrist may:
- Ask when the symptoms began
- Review your exercise and activity history
- Examine the location of the pain
- Check for swelling or tendon thickening
- Evaluate the flexibility of your ankle
- Assess the strength of the calf and tendon
- Examine your foot structure
- Observe how you stand and walk
- Check for signs of a partial or complete tear
Imaging is not required for every patient. However, an X-ray may be used to identify a heel spur or other bone-related problem. Diagnostic ultrasound or MRI may be recommended to evaluate the tendon and determine whether there is degeneration, a partial tear, or another soft-tissue injury.
The location of the damage is important because insertional and noninsertional Achilles tendinitis may require different exercises and treatment approaches.
Achilles Tendinitis Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the location and severity of the tendon damage, how long the symptoms have been present, and whether another condition is affecting the heel.
Most cases are initially treated without surgery. Nonsurgical care may include rest, activity modification, appropriate exercises, physical therapy, footwear changes, and orthotic support.
Activity Modification
Running, jumping, and other high-impact activities may need to be temporarily reduced. Lower-impact activities may be recommended while the tendon recovers.
Your podiatrist can help determine when and how to return to normal exercise safely.
Ice Therapy
Applying a wrapped ice pack to the painful area may help manage discomfort following activity. Ice should not be placed directly against the skin.
Supportive Footwear
Shoes with adequate support and cushioning may reduce stress on the Achilles tendon. Patients with insertional tendinitis may need footwear that does not place pressure directly against the back of the heel.
Heel Lifts
A temporary heel lift may reduce tension on the Achilles tendon by slightly raising the heel inside the shoe. It should be used only as directed because long-term use may not be appropriate for every patient.
Stretching and Strengthening Exercises
A structured exercise program may improve calf flexibility and strengthen the muscles and tendon. The correct exercises depend on whether the condition is insertional or noninsertional.
Aggressive stretching may aggravate some cases of insertional Achilles tendinitis. Follow the exercises recommended by your podiatrist or physical therapist.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy may include flexibility exercises, gradual strengthening, manual therapy, and guidance on returning to activity. It may also address movement patterns that place repeated stress on the tendon.
Custom Orthotics
Custom orthotics may be recommended when flat feet, abnormal foot movement, or uneven pressure contributes to the condition. Orthotics can support the foot and help improve its function during walking.
Bracing or Immobilization
A brace or walking boot may be recommended when symptoms are severe. Temporary immobilization allows the tendon to rest by limiting ankle movement and reducing pressure.
Medication
Medication may be recommended to help manage pain and inflammation. Patients should follow the instructions provided by their healthcare professional and discuss any existing medical conditions or medications before beginning treatment.
EPAT and Shockwave Therapy
EPAT or shockwave therapy may be considered for certain cases of persistent Achilles tendinitis that do not improve with initial conservative care.
These nonsurgical treatments use pressure waves to stimulate a healing response in the affected tissue. They are not appropriate for every patient, so an evaluation is required before treatment is recommended.
Surgery
Surgery may be considered when significant pain and limitation continue despite an appropriate period of nonsurgical treatment.
The procedure depends on the location and extent of the tendon damage. It may involve removing damaged tissue, repairing the tendon, or addressing a heel spur that is irritating the tendon.
How to Help Prevent Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis may return if the tendon is exposed to the same repetitive strain. A gradual approach to exercise and consistent foot care may help reduce the risk of another injury.
Preventive measures may include:
- Warming up before exercise
- Increasing activity intensity gradually
- Allowing adequate recovery between workouts
- Stretching the calf muscles as directed
- Strengthening the lower leg muscles
- Wearing supportive athletic shoes
- Replacing worn-out footwear
- Avoiding sudden changes in running surfaces
- Alternating high-impact and lower-impact activities
- Using prescribed orthotics as directed
- Addressing recurring pain before it becomes severe
A podiatrist can help identify structural or movement-related factors that may place additional stress on the Achilles tendon.
Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles Tendinitis
What does Achilles tendinitis feel like?
Achilles tendinitis may cause an ache, stiffness, tenderness, or swelling at the back of the heel or lower leg. Symptoms are often worse in the morning or during and after physical activity.
Can I walk with Achilles tendinitis?
Some patients can continue walking, but activities that worsen the pain may need to be reduced. Continuing to exercise through significant pain can place additional stress on the tendon.
Is Achilles tendinitis the same as an Achilles rupture?
No. Tendinitis develops from irritation or degeneration of the tendon. A rupture is a partial or complete tear that may occur suddenly and requires prompt medical evaluation.
Can Achilles tendinitis heal without surgery?
Many cases improve with nonsurgical treatment, including activity modification, physical therapy, supportive footwear, and appropriate strengthening. Surgery is generally reserved for persistent or severe cases.
Are custom orthotics helpful for Achilles tendinitis?
Custom orthotics may help when abnormal foot movement or foot structure contributes to excessive strain on the tendon. They are not necessary for every patient.
How long does Achilles tendinitis take to improve?
Recovery time varies based on the severity and duration of the condition. Tendons can take time to recover, so following the treatment and return-to-activity plan consistently is important.
When should I see a podiatrist?
Schedule an evaluation if pain at the back of the heel persists, keeps returning, or affects your mobility. Seek prompt care if you experience a sudden pop, severe pain, weakness, or difficulty pushing off the foot.
Schedule an Achilles Tendinitis Evaluation in Stamford, CT
Persistent Achilles tendon pain can limit your mobility and prevent you from participating in the activities you enjoy. Preferred Footcare can evaluate your symptoms, determine the extent of the problem, and recommend an appropriate treatment plan.
Call (203) 975-9600 or request an appointment online for Achilles tendinitis treatment in Stamford, Connecticut.
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