Achilles Tendinitis

What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?

Several factors can contribute to Achilles tendon injuries, including:

• Sudden increases in physical activity or training intensity
• Tight calf muscles
• Poor warm-up or stretching habits
• Unsupportive or worn-out footwear
• Flat feet or high arches
• Running on hard or uneven surfaces
• Age-related tendon wear and tear

Identifying the underlying cause allows us to develop a treatment plan that relieves pain while reducing the risk of recurrence.

How We Diagnose Achilles Tendinitis

Our specialists begin with a thorough evaluation, including a physical examination, range-of-motion testing, and assessment of your walking pattern. We carefully examine the tendon to identify tenderness, swelling, or weakness.

If needed, X-rays or ultrasound imaging may be recommended to identify heel spurs, evaluate tendon damage, and rule out partial tears or Achilles tendon rupture.

Non-Surgical Achilles Tendinitis Treatment

Most patients recover successfully without surgery using conservative treatment options designed to reduce pain and promote healing.

Activity Modification

Temporarily reducing high-impact activities gives the tendon time to recover while preventing further damage.

Physical Therapy

Stretching, eccentric strengthening exercises, and flexibility training help restore tendon strength and improve ankle mobility.

Ice & Anti-Inflammatory Care

Ice therapy and anti-inflammatory medications can reduce swelling and relieve discomfort during recovery.

Heel Lifts & Custom Orthotics

Heel lifts reduce stress on the tendon, while custom orthotics improve foot alignment for patients with flat feet, high arches, or abnormal gait mechanics.

Advanced Treatments for Chronic Achilles Tendinitis

When conservative care doesn’t provide enough relief, we may recommend advanced treatment options.

Injection Therapy may be appropriate for select patients, although corticosteroid injections are used cautiously because they can weaken the tendon.

Surgery is typically reserved for severe tendon degeneration, partial tears, or complete ruptures that have not responded to conservative treatment.

When Is Achilles Tendon Surgery Needed?

Surgery may be recommended if you have persistent pain despite several months of treatment, significant tendon damage, or an Achilles tendon rupture. Most procedures are performed on an outpatient basis, followed by a structured rehabilitation program that gradually restores strength, flexibility, and function.

Achilles Tendinitis in Athletes & Runners

Achilles tendinitis is one of the most common overuse injuries among runners and athletes. Training too aggressively, inadequate recovery, poor footwear, and tight calf muscles can all contribute to tendon injuries. We develop customized rehabilitation plans that help athletes recover safely while reducing the risk of future injuries.

When Should You See a Specialist?

Schedule an evaluation if you experience:

• Heel pain lasting longer than two weeks
• A sudden pop or sharp pain in the back of the ankle
• Persistent swelling or stiffness
• Difficulty walking or pushing off your foot
• Recurring Achilles tendon pain

Early treatment often leads to faster recovery and helps prevent tendon rupture.