Cheshire Foot Clinic

We treat damage to the Achilles

Achilles tendinopathy (sometimes called Achilles tendonitis/tendinosis) is another cause of heel/ankle pain which our Podiatrists commonly treat. Achilles Tendinopathy is caused by repeated damage to the Achilles tendon that does not completely heal.

The Achilles tendon is the thick band of tissue behind your ankle that connects your heel to the muscles in the back of your leg. It is the strongest tendon in the body.

Therefore, when you are active it is subjected to a great deal of force and over time or following a sudden increase in activity it can become sore and painful.

Achilles tendinopathy usually develops gradually. If you have sudden, SEVERE pain in your Achilles tendon you may have an Achilles rupture and you should seek treatment immediately.

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy?

Acute tendinopathy (or tendonitis) symptoms can include:

  • Pain when starting to exercise that gradually eases during the activity
  • Discomfort in and around the back of your ankle which gradually increases over several days
  • Pain that hurts on exercise and eases with rest
  • Tenderness in and around the back of your ankle

Left untreated acute tendinopathy can develop into chronic (persistent) Achilles tendinopathy.

Symptoms of Chronic tendinopathy can include:

  • Pain increasing over days, weeks or months
  • Pain during any exercise or activity
  • Pain behind your ankle when walking uphill or up stairs
  • Stiffness in your ankle (especially first thing in the morning)
  • Lumps or swelling at or around the back of your ankle
  • Tenderness or soreness at or around the back of your ankle
  • Redness at the back of your ankle

How is Achilles tendinopathy (tendonitis) treated?

Our Podiatrist will assess your condition by examination, observing you walking and standing. They will also carry out a biomechanical assessment. If further examination is needed our Podiatrists can order an ultrasound scan or an MRI scan.

If there is no evidence of an Achilles rupture your podiatrist will recommend treatment depending upon the cause of the problem. Treatments aim to rest, rehabilitate and strengthen your Achilles tendon to help you get back to full activity.

Treatments can include:

Shockwave therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-surgical treatment, and works by delivering impulses of energy, targeted to specific damaged tissues within the abnormal tendon. Click to read more about shockwave therapy.

Orthotics

(sometimes called foot orthotics, shoe inserts or orthoses) are devices placed inside your shoes to improve the biomechanical balance to your legs and feet and reduce stresses on areas of injury or pain. Click to find out more about orthotics.

If you want to find out more about Achilles Tendonopathy Book an Appointment

If you need help please call 01565 655840 or email our team for advice with your booking.

Chat to us about your problem by or download a copy of our leaflet:
Shockwave Therapy for Achilles tendinopathy