What is Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendonitis)?

The achilles tendon is found at the back of the leg and joins your calf muscles to the heel bone. The function of the achilles is to point the foot downwards and therefore help you propel forwards with walking/running and jumping.

Achilles tendinopathy (previously known as achilles tendonitis) is a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the achilles tendon. The injury is caused by repetitive microtrauma. When the achilles tendon is not giving enough time to heal it forms into a tendinopathy where its structural integrity is now compromised. Repetitive microtrauma may be from overtraining, poor use of footwear, changes in training load such as increasing the number of hills or a change in performing daily activities.

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendonitis)?

+ Localised pain over the achilles or the calcaneus (heel bone)

+ Thickening of tendon

+ Pain on heel raise

+ No pain at rest

+ Morning stiffness

+ Pain is worse the next day after exercise

What is the Treatment of Achilles Tendinopathy (Tendonitis)?

The Physiotherapist will identify how the tendon is overloaded and what activities you will need to modify. The Physiotherapist will then help de-load the painful area using manual techniques such as massage and tape. Strength and loading exercises are then prescribed to both the tendon and the leg. These exercises help the tendon revert to its original structural integrity and reduce pain levels. Other possible treatment options include the use of orthotics and anti-inflammatories in the early stages.