Achilles Pain

Aside from direct blows to the tendon itself (like being kicked in the back off your heel in a soccer match), Achilles injuries often occur when high amounts of force are placed on the tendon and it is strained past the point that it can safely handle. The tendon becomes damaged, usually where it connects to the back of the heel or just above this, and movement quickly becomes painful – as walking ‘pulls’ on the tendon. The extra force may come from:

• Suddenly increasing your physical activity duration or intensity, especially when it comes to
  activities involving running or jumping
• Changes in your lower limb movement and function (biomechanics)
• Increasing tightness in your calf muscles
• Being more vulnerable due to your foot posture, e.g. flat feet
• Wearing unsupportive footwear, especially those with low-set heels like soccer boots
• Increased body weight, as well as increased training weights at the gym

Pain at the back of the Achilles can range from a dull ache to a sharp, shooting pain. Your symptoms will start or increase during or after running, and you’ll feel tightness, stiffness and tenderness around the tendon. Depending on the stage of the injury, swelling and redness may also be visible.

Achilles tendon injuries can worsen if care is not taken – the damage may progress to a partial tear of the tendon, or even a full rupture.

Yes, we help hundreds of patients every year with their Achilles pain. While initially, the goal will be to give you relief so you can get back to walking and living normally, we also focus on finding all of the causes of the injury and addressing these too. Whether it’s your tight calf muscles or your foot posture, by correcting these, we can help reduce the likelihood of the pain coming back in the future.

We also ensure that you are equipped with the tools and knowledge to help you make the best decisions when it comes to looking after your Achilles tendon, feet and legs, long after your treatment with us.