Achilles Tendinopathy
Pain in the back of your heel or lower calf can make walking, running, climbing stairs, and exercising difficult. If you’ve been experiencing ongoing Achilles tendon pain, stiffness, or swelling, you may have Achilles tendinopathy.
At Sussex Total Foot Care, we provide expert assessment and treatment for Achilles tendon injuries. Our experienced podiatrists identify the underlying cause of your symptoms and develop a personalised treatment plan to reduce pain, restore strength, and help you return safely to your normal activities.
What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a vital role in walking, running, jumping, and pushing off during movement.
Achilles tendinopathy occurs when the tendon becomes overloaded and unable to repair itself effectively. Rather than being a simple inflammation, it is usually a gradual degeneration of the tendon caused by repeated stress.
Without appropriate treatment, symptoms can become persistent and increase the risk of more serious tendon injury.
What Causes Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy often develops gradually and is commonly associated with repeated strain.
Common causes and risk factors include:
- Sudden increases in running or exercise
- Tight calf muscles
- Poor foot biomechanics
- Flat feet or excessively high arches
- Inadequate recovery between training sessions
- Worn or unsupportive footwear
- Previous Achilles injuries
- Reduced calf muscle strength
- Age-related changes in the tendon
- Occupations involving prolonged standing or walking
Although runners frequently develop Achilles tendinopathy, it can affect anyone, including people who are less active.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:
- Pain at the back of the heel or lower calf
- Stiffness first thing in the morning
- Pain when walking, running, or climbing stairs
- Tenderness when pressing on the tendon
- Thickening of the tendon
- Swelling around the tendon
- Pain that eases during activity but returns afterwards
- Reduced strength when pushing off the foot
Symptoms are often worse after periods of rest or following increased physical activity.
How We Diagnose Achilles Tendinopathy
At Sussex Total Foot Care, we carry out a detailed assessment to determine the cause of your symptoms.
Your appointment includes:
- A discussion about your pain and activity levels
- Medical history review
- Examination of the Achilles tendon
- Assessment of calf muscle strength and flexibility
- Biomechanical assessment
- Gait analysis
- Footwear assessment
If clinically indicated, we may recommend ultrasound imaging or MRI scanning to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment
Treatment focuses on improving tendon function while reducing pain and preventing recurrence.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
Biomechanical Assessment
Assessing how your feet function helps identify movement patterns that may be placing excessive strain on the Achilles tendon.
Rehabilitation Exercises
Progressive loading exercises are one of the most effective treatments for Achilles tendinopathy. Your podiatrist will prescribe a structured rehabilitation programme designed to improve tendon strength and resilience.
Orthotic Insoles
Where appropriate, orthoses can improve foot mechanics and reduce excessive stress on the Achilles tendon during walking and running.
Footwear Advice
Supportive footwear can reduce unnecessary strain on the tendon and improve comfort during daily activities.
Activity Modification
Rather than stopping all activity, we provide advice on safely modifying exercise while your tendon recovers.
Long-Term Prevention
Once your symptoms improve, we provide guidance on strengthening, training progression, and injury prevention to reduce the risk of recurrence.
Why Choose Sussex Total Foot Care?
Patients throughout Worthing and West Sussex choose Sussex Total Foot Care because we offer:
- HCPC-registered podiatrists
- Thorough clinical assessments
- Evidence-based Achilles tendon rehabilitation
- Biomechanical and gait analysis
- Personalised exercise programmes
- Friendly, patient-focused care
- Advice aimed at preventing future tendon problems
Our goal is to help you recover fully and return to walking, running, and sport with confidence.
