Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles Tendinopathy: Relieve Your Heel Pain
Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury in which the tendon connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone becomes irritated and painful. It most frequently affects runners and active people who have recently changed their training volume or intensity, producing stiffness first thing in the morning and a deep ache that builds during activity. In some cases, localised swelling is visible at the back of the ankle.
What Causes Achilles Tendinopathy?
- Rapid increase in training load or intensity
- Tight or weak calf muscles
- Changes in footwear or running surface
- Age-related changes to tendon resilience
- Previous injury that wasn’t fully resolved
It’s worth noting that Achilles tendinopathy is different from an Achilles rupture (a sudden tear) or insertional tendinopathy (pain at the heel bone itself). Getting the right diagnosis matters, because each requires a different approach.
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Our Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy
Tendons respond well to the right kind of loading, so while complete rest may settle symptoms short-term, it doesn’t address the underlying problem. Our physiotherapy team designs a plan tailored to your lifestyle and goals, starting from day one.
- Load management advice to settle pain while maintaining fitness
- Progressive calf strengthening, including eccentric exercises and heavy slow resistance training
- Manual therapy and soft tissue work to reduce tension and improve mobility
- Shockwave therapy to stimulate tendon healing when appropriate
- Running retraining to correct any biomechanical factors that may have contributed
Most people see meaningful improvement within 6–12 weeks with consistent treatment and home exercise.
“Tristan is an excellent physio. He has taken my Achilles tendon from being agonising to touch to strong and able to handle exercise and sport again. Such a great all-round service, from consultation, to exercises, massage and acupuncture, my treatment has been thoughtful and thorough. I am so grateful!” Eve Powers – Nantwich
Why Choose True Physio?
Expert Physiotherapy Team
All of our Physiotherapists are registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC), which means that they fulfil the highest standards of practice required by law. They are also a part of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), demonstrating our commitment to delivering outstanding expertise.
Initial Assessment
At your initial assessment at True Physio, we will find out where your pain comes from and what your goal is before forming a plan to help you achieve that. Our clinicians will take the time to understand your condition, do a detailed assessment, and explain to you the nature of the problem you have. Treatment plans are created with your lifestyle in mind.
If your Achilles is holding you back, our team is here to help, get in touch to book an assessment and we’ll put together a plan to get you moving again.
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