What is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is irritation, degeneration, or thickening of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It can affect the mid-portion or the insertion at the heel.
It often results from overuse, poor biomechanics, or changes in load.
Symptoms & What You May Experience
- Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel or lower calf
- Morning stiffness or pain on first steps
- Discomfort when running, jumping, or climbing stairs
- Thickening or swelling of the tendon
- Tenderness when the tendon is squeezed
- Pain easing with movement then worsening later
Symptoms may start gradually and worsen without rest or rehab.
What causes Achilles Tendinopathy?
Common triggers include:
- Sudden increase in training or walking
- Poor footwear or unsupportive shoes
- Flat feet or altered foot mechanics
- Running uphill or on hard surfaces
- Previous ankle or knee injuries
- Tight calves or limited ankle mobility
How We Help (At Victoria Park Osteopaths)
Treatment is tailored to improve tendon load tolerance and mechanics:
- Progressive loading exercises (e.g. eccentric heel drops)
- Soft tissue work on calves and surrounding structures
- Mobilisation of foot, ankle, knee, or hip
- Advice on Stretching/strengthening programmes no stretching of the achilles!
- Gait and footwear advice
- Taping, acupuncture, or shockwave guidance if needed
We focus on gradual load progression to heal the tendon.
Recovery Time & What to Expect
- Early cases: 6–12 weeks with rehab
- Chronic cases: 3–6 months or more
- Consistency with loading exercises is key
- Untreated cases increase rupture risk
When to Seek Medical Review / Red Flags
Seek medical advice if you notice:
- Sudden “pop” with sharp pain (possible rupture)
- Significant swelling, redness, or heat
- Inability to push off the foot
- No improvement with rehabilitation
