What Is Achilles Tendonitis?
The Achilles tendon, the largest and single strongest tendon in the body, connects the heel
bone to the muscles in the back of your leg and thigh. The primary function of the Achilles
tendon is to transmit the power of these muscles to the foot enabling walking and running.
Part of the reason that this is now called tendinopathy and not �tendinitis� is because of
the ongoing debate as to what this condition entails. We no longer believe the condition
simply involves inflammation. We now know that the tendon has a reactive response which
thickens and stiffens it and acts as a �stress shield� to reduce load.
Why do Achilles tendon injuries occur?
Achilles tendon injuries can occur especially when the tendon is subjected to strong forces
such as in velocity sports: running, soccer, basketball, tennis, and baseball. Additionally,
aging and the Achilles tendon's poor blood supply also increase your chance of injury. The
area of the tendon with the poorest blood supply is just above its insertion into the heel
bone, making older active individuals more vulnerable.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis causes pain in the tendon connecting your calf to your heel. It often
results from overuse, poor mechanics, or sudden activity increase.
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Pain at back of heel worse with walking/running
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Morning stiffness tendon feels tight when first moving
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Swelling or thickening around Achilles tendon
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Pain with calf raises discomfort when pushing off
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Tenderness to touch along tendon length
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Reduced performance difficulty with sport or stairs
How We Diagnose Achilles Tendonitis
We assess tendon load capacity, biomechanics, and aggravating activity patterns to ensure the
correct management plan.
Clinical Palpation Testing
identifies tendon pain points
Range of Motion Exam
checks calf/ankle flexibility
Strength Testing
assesses calf and tendon tolerance
Gait Analysis
checks loading and overpronationn
Imaging Referral
ultrasound if chronic or severe
How We Treat Achilles Tendonitis
Effective management focuses on load management, strengthening, and addressing
biomechanical issues.
01
Eccentric Strength Program
gold standard tendon rehab
02
Load Management Plan
reduce aggravation safely
03
Orthotics / Heel Raises
reduce tendon strain
04
Manual Therapy
soft tissue release and joint mobility
05
Dry Needling (if needed)
helps surrounding muscle tension
06
Return-to-Running Plan
progressive reintegration
Why Early Treatment Matters
Achilles tendon issues can become chronic and difficult to treat if ignored. Early
intervention is key to preventing long-term damage.
- Prevent
Rupture chronic degeneration weakens the tendon increasing rupture risk
- Chronic
Pain untreated tendinopathy can persist for years
- Bone
Spurs chronic tension can lead to Haglund's deformity (heel bone spur)
- Compensatory
Injuries walking differently can cause knee and hip pain
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