Achilles Tendinopathy

What is Achilles tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy involves irritation, overload, and reduced tissue capacity within the Achilles tendon — the large tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone.

The condition commonly develops gradually over time due to repeated strain through the tendon. In more longstanding cases, the tendon may become thickened, stiff, and less able to tolerate load efficiently.

Symptoms

• Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel or ankle
• Morning stiffness in the tendon
• Pain during or after walking, running, or exercise
• Thickening or swelling of the tendon
• Reduced ankle flexibility or calf tightness
• Tenderness when pressing on the tendon

Causes

Achilles tendinopathy is commonly related to excessive load through the tendon over time.

Contributing factors may include:

• Sudden increases in activity
• Calf tightness or weakness
• Reduced ankle mobility
• Footwear
• Running mechanics
• Training errors
• Age-related tendon changes
• Altered lower limb biomechanics

Because your feet form the foundation of movement, the way your feet, heels, and lower limbs move can significantly influence the twisting and loading forces applied to the Achilles tendon during walking and running.

When to see a podiatrist

You should consider an assessment if your Achilles pain:

• Persists for more than 1–2 weeks
• Affects your walking, exercise, sport, or work
• Continues to worsen
• Is associated with swelling, thickening, or weakness of the tendon

Early management can often help prevent the condition from becoming more chronic and difficult to treat.

How we treat Achilles tendinopathy

At Masterton Foot Clinic, our Proven Process combines the latest evidence with extensive clinical experience.

Treatment focuses not only on reducing pain but also on improving the tendon's ability to tolerate long-term load and reducing the likelihood of recurrence.

We begin by identifying the factors contributing to tendon overload, then tailor treatment to your condition, goals, activity level, and stage of recovery.

Our approach commonly focuses on:

• Reducing excessive tendon irritation
• Managing training and activity loads
• Improving calf strength and tendon capacity
• Restoring foot and ankle mobility
• Improving movement efficiency
• Supporting a safe return to activity and sport

Depending on your presentation, treatment may include:

• Progressive strength and rehabilitation programmes
• Load management strategies
• Shockwave Therapy
• Orthotics or bracing
• Footwear advice
• Foot Mobilisation Therapy (FMT)
• Biomechanics & Gait Assessment
• Return-to-sport planning