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Achilles Tendinopathy
Understanding, Diagnosing, & Treating
Achilles Tendinopathy
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Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is a common condition affecting the Achilles tendon, which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone.
It usually develops gradually when the tendon is repeatedly overloaded without enough time to recover. This can cause pain, stiffness and make everyday activities such as walking, running or climbing stairs uncomfortable.
Although it’s often associated with runners and active people, Achilles tendinopathy can affect anyone, particularly after a sudden increase in activity or returning to exercise after a break. With the right treatment, most people make a full recovery and return to their normal activities.
Signs & Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy
Symptoms can develop gradually and may worsen during or after activity.
Common signs include:
- Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement
- Tenderness along the Achilles tendon
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
- Reduced calf strength
- Pain during walking, running or climbing stairs
What Can Cause Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is usually caused by repeated strain on the tendon over time.
Common risk factors include:
- A sudden increase in running, walking or sporting activity
- Tight or weak calf muscles
- Inadequate recovery between exercise sessions
- Unsupportive or worn footwear
- Changes in foot or ankle biomechanics
Treatment Options For Achilles Tendinopathy
Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving tendon strength and helping you return to activity safely.
Your physiotherapist may recommend:
- A progressive exercise programme to strengthen the tendon and calf muscles
- Isometric exercises to help manage pain in the early stages
- Heavy slow resistance or eccentric loading exercises as symptoms improve
- Manual therapy and stretching where appropriate
- Taping to reduce strain on the tendon
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) for persistent symptoms
- Foot orthoses if foot mechanics are contributing to tendon overload
At Balanced Physiotherapy, we provide a thorough assessment to identify the cause of your symptoms and create a personalised treatment plan. Our goal is to reduce pain, restore function and help you return to the activities you enjoy with confidence.
