Achilles Tendinitis - causes, treatment and prevention

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon - the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to your heel bone (calcaneus). It’s common among runners, athletes, and individuals who suddenly increase activity intensity or duration.

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Causes:

• Sudden increase in running or jumping activity

• Poor footwear or training surfaces

• Tight calf muscles

• Flat feet or overpronation

• Inadequate warm-up before exercise

• Repetitive strain or improper biomechanics

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Symptoms:

• Pain and stiffness along the back of the heel, especially in the morning

• Swelling or thickening of the tendon

• Tenderness that worsens with activity especially with calf raises 

• Reduced ankle flexibility

• A creaking sensation when the tendon is moved

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Diagnosis:

• Physical examination (palpation and movement tests)

• Ultrasound or MRI (in chronic or severe cases)

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Physiotherapy Treatment:

✅ Rest and Activity Modification: Reduce load on the tendon while maintaining mobility through low-impact activities like cycling or swimming.

✅ Ice Therapy: To reduce pain and inflammation.

✅ Manual Therapy: Soft tissue release, myofascial techniques, and mobilization.

✅ Stretching Exercises: Gentle calf and Achilles stretches.

✅ Strengthening : Eccentric heel drop exercises are the gold standard for rehabilitation. Progressive loading to rebuild tendon strength.

✅ Taping or Orthotics: To improve alignment and reduce strain.

✅ Shockwave therapy or ultrasound therapy (as advised by a physiotherapist).

✅ Education & Prevention: Proper footwear, gradual training load increase, and regular stretching. 

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Prevention Tips:

• Warm up before and stretch after exercise

• Strengthen calf and foot muscles regularly

• Avoid sudden changes in training intensity

• Wear supportive footwear

Disclaimer : This is not medical advice, if you are in pain please visit your nearby physician.