Common Physiotherapy Conditions
Achilles Tendon Pain
Achilles Tendon Pain
Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that affects the midportion of the Achilles tendon — the thick, fibrous band that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It typically develops gradually over time, rather than from a single incident, and is particularly common in runners, jumpers, and athletes involved in sports that require repeated loading of the lower leg.
This condition is not an inflammatory issue as once thought, but rather a degenerative process within the tendon caused by overload without sufficient recovery. If not addressed early, it can become stubborn and limit your ability to walk, run, or train comfortably.
Common symptoms include:
- Morning stiffness or discomfort when first walking
- Pain in the mid-portion of the Achilles tendon, often about 2–6 cm above the heel
- Tenderness when the tendon is squeezed
- Pain that worsens with or after activities such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs
How physiotherapy helps:
Physiotherapy is the gold-standard treatment for Achilles tendinopathy. We start by assessing your movement patterns, calf strength, foot posture, and training history. Treatment focuses on a progressive loading programme — gradually strengthening the tendon so it can tolerate the demands of your activity.
Initial exercises usually begin with calf raises on the floor, then progress to slow, controlled eccentric heel drops off a step as tolerated. We may also address any contributing factors such as tight calves, weak glutes, or poor biomechanics. In persistent cases, shockwave therapy can be used to stimulate tendon healing and reduce pain.
Exercise tip:
Start with 2 sets of 15 calf raises (both legs) on flat ground, performed slowly. As symptoms allow, progress to eccentric heel drops off a step, focusing on control and range of motion.
Prevention strategies
- Maintain good calf strength and ankle mobility
- Avoid sudden spikes in running or jumping volume
- Always warm up properly before training or sport
- Include eccentric calf strengthening in your regular gym or rehab routine
If you’re experiencing Achilles tendon pain, don’t ignore it — early intervention with physiotherapy can speed up recovery and reduce the risk of chronic issues.