Achilles Tendonitis

What You Need to Know About Treating and Preventing This Common Condition

Achilles Tendon

Have you ever felt a dull ache or sharp pain in the back of your ankle, especially after a run or a workout? Maybe it feels stiff in the morning, or you notice swelling and tenderness when you press on your Achilles tendon. If any of this sounds familiar, you could be dealing with Achilles tendonitis.

At ModPod Podiatry, we see plenty of people just like you who are managing this frustrating condition. The good news? With the right approach, you can recover and get back to doing the things you love—whether that’s running, walking, or simply living pain-free. Let’s talk about what Achilles tendonitis is, why it happens, and how you can treat it.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

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Your Achilles tendon is the thick, fibrous band that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s the largest tendon in your body and plays a crucial role in activities like walking, running, jumping, and even standing on your tiptoes. But because it’s under constant strain, it’s also prone to injury.

Achilles tendonitis occurs when this tendon becomes inflamed, often due to overuse or repetitive stress. It’s especially common in people who lead active lifestyles, but it can affect anyone, including those who suddenly increase their activity level or wear improper footwear.

Achilles Tendon

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What Does Achilles Tendonitis Feel Like?

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Achilles tendonitis doesn’t feel the same for everyone, but some common symptoms include:

  • Pain or stiffness in the back of your ankle: This might be worse in the morning or after periods of rest.
  • Swelling or tenderness: You may notice swelling along the tendon or tenderness when you press on it.
  • Pain during activity: The pain might worsen during or after exercise, especially activities like running or climbing stairs.
  • Limited range of motion: You might feel tightness in your calf muscles or have trouble flexing your ankle.

 

Sound familiar? If you’re nodding along, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and there are effective ways to manage it.

What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?

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The good news is that Achilles tendonitis is treatable, and in most cases, conservative measures are all that’s needed. Here’s what you can do to start feeling better:

  1. Rest and reduce activity: Give your tendon time to heal by avoiding high-impact activities. It doesn’t mean you have to stop moving completely—low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling can keep you active without worsening the problem.
  2. Apply ice: Using an ice pack on the tendon for 15–20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation and pain.
  3. Stretch and strengthen: Gentle calf stretches and strengthening exercises can improve flexibility and support the tendon. Be careful not to overdo it, especially in the early stages of recovery.
  4. Use supportive footwear: Switching to shoes with good arch support and cushioning can reduce strain on the tendon. Orthotics, like those we can provide at ModPod Podiatry, can be particularly helpful.
  5. Pain management: Anti-inflammatory medications, like ibuprofen, can help manage pain and swelling, but they should only be used as directed and in consultation with a healthcare professional.

If these steps aren’t enough, or if your symptoms persist, we can help. At ModPod Podiatry, we specialise in treating Achilles tendonitis with tailored treatment plans that address the root cause of your pain.

Advanced Treatment Options

Sometimes, Achilles tendonitis doesn’t respond to rest and home care. In these cases, professional intervention may be necessary. Here are some of the treatments we offer:

 

  • Custom orthotics: These can correct biomechanical issues, like flat feet or overpronation, that might be contributing to your condition.
  • Biomechanical assessments: We’ll take a close look at how your feet and legs move to identify any underlying problems and recommend targeted treatments.
  • K-Laser: The latested advancement in tissue healing using laser technologhy.
  • Shockwave therapy: This non-invasive treatment stimulates blood flow and promotes healing in the damaged tendon.

How Can You Prevent Achilles Tendonitis?

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The best treatment is prevention, and there are plenty of simple steps you can take to protect your Achilles tendon:

  1. Warm up properly: Before exercise, spend time stretching and warming up your muscles to reduce the risk of injury.
  2. Increase activity gradually: Avoid sudden increases in intensity or duration when starting a new exercise routine.
  3. Wear supportive footwear: Choose shoes that fit well and offer good cushioning and arch support.
  4. Cross-train: Mix up your exercise routine with low-impact activities to avoid overloading the tendon.
  5. Strengthen and stretch: Regularly stretch your calf muscles and work on strengthening them to support the tendon.

 

Taking these steps can help you avoid the pain and frustration of Achilles tendonitis altogether.

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When Should You See A Podiatrist?

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If your Achilles tendonitis isn’t improving with home care, or if the pain is severe and interfering with your daily life, it’s time to seek professional help. At ModPod Podiatry, we can assess your condition and create a personalised treatment plan that works for you.

You should also see a podiatrist if:

  • The pain is getting worse, not better.
  • You notice a lump or thickening along the tendon.
  • You’re experiencing significant swelling or warmth in the area.
  • You’re unable to perform daily activities without discomfort.

Achilles tendonitis can be a frustrating condition, but with the right care and guidance, you can recover and prevent it from coming back. At ModPod Podiatry, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from diagnosing the issue to developing a tailored treatment plan that suits your lifestyle.

If you’re ready to take control of your Achilles pain and get back to doing the things you love, book an appointment with us today. Let’s work together to keep your feet—and your life—moving forward!

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