Achilles Tendon Pain

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

There are two types of Achilles tendonitis:

Noninsertional Achilles tendinitis: Middle portion of Achilles tendon

Insertional Achilles tendinitis: Lower portion of Achilles tendon

Causes

• Sudden increase intensity of exercise activity
• Tight calf muscles
• Bone spur (Extra bone growth)
• Abnormal foot posture
• Incorrect footwear
• Overweight
• Overuse

Symptoms & Identification

• Heel pain and swelling at the back of the heel
• Thickening of the tendon
• Limited range of motion when flexing (bending) the foot
• Area around the heel may feel warm to touch
• Tenderness and redness in the affected area

Care & Treatment

At Home podiatry there are a range of treatments that can help relieve symptoms and reduce flare-ups. The choice of treatment will often depend on the patient’s severity of pain.