Achilles Tendonitis, Symptoms, Tips and Treatments

What Is Achilles Tendonitis And What Causes It?

Let's Take A  Look At The Myths And Misconceptions Of Achilles Tendonitis

It is often thought that exercise will further damage your Achilles Tendon and complete rest is the only option. However, if you have found that your Achilles Tendon has begun hurting due to running, this does not necessarily mean that you need to stop running or completely rest the limb but you should at least reduce your activity so as not to aggravate it further. Tendons are designed to move and to be stretched throughout all forms of exercise, although if feeling pain you may need to lessen the amount of exercise, this is something speaking to a Podiatrist can help with as they will be able to advise further on this. 

Pain in the Achilles Tendon is very rarely a sign of the tendon being weak or snapping, this instead is more likely to be due to overload and local tissue response to inform us that it has been overused.

What To Do If Your Achilles Tendon Is Painful

It is imperative to see a podiatrist if you are experiencing pain in your Achilles Tendon, suspect that you may have Achilles Tendonitis or are experiencing any other heel pain. One of our podiatry team can help with advice on footwear, advice or modification of the shoe with orthoses to relieve strain on the Achilles Tendon, give you specific exercises to do to help with the strengthening of the injured tendon. They will also be able to assess the severity of the Achilles Tendonitis and refer you to another health professional if required.

How To Ease The Pain Of Achilles Tendonitis Before Your Appointment

There are a few different things to try to ease the pain while waiting to see a podiatrist. Firstly rest and avoid strenuous exercise (such as running). As you improve, you can restart exercise gradually. Cold compress (ice pack) can be used to help decrease swelling and control the pain. Using a compression bandage can also minimize pain and aid in reducing inflammation and elevating the injured area above the heart while sitting. To prevent Achilles Tendonitis from worsening, make sure you stretch before and after exercise. Short term use of anti-inflammatory drugs can be helpful to decrease the pain.

Achilles Tendonitis; A Lived Experience

A lady in her 60’s came into FootHealth Battersea, a keen open water swimmer in all degrees of temperature, the colder the better she had always said! But, things had changed, due to Covid all the pools and swim spots were shut so she had to give up her hobby and instead had taken up running. Having not run in years she was sensible and started with the Couch to 5km challenge. Unfortunately for her, she used the old faithful trainers that she had had for years. Due to her work, she was also desk-bound at home for the remainder of the day. 

Her right Achilles became stiff at first, after one particular run, but eased pretty quickly, with no reason not to run the following day. A little lump could be felt which was tender if pressed but, for her, the challenge had to be completed. A week or so later starting the run it was a hobble, but ok-ish and this disappeared once she had warmed up.

One particular day, it was very muddy after raining all night, but the challenge must go on. Slipping and sliding, she completed the distance. Home to shower and return to her desk. Standing up after a few hours at the desk, she was hobbling again and the Achilles was really painful and stiff, with a lump in the tendon midway up. 

A podiatry BME assessment booked, with trainers in hand as requested. 

She has a pes cavoid (high arch) foot type and presented with reduced movement at her ankle and some very tight calf muscles. Her trainers were headed for the bin as they provided no cushioning what so ever due to being so old. The biggest contributing factor was a difference in leg length. Her right leg being shorter, her Achilles had shortened as a result of forefoot walking to compensate. 

Now, following on from the appointment, and with an idea of what running trainers she needs to invest in, a rigorous calf, hamstring and gluteal stretching programme in hand and a simple heel raise to even out her legs, she will be back to running in just a few short weeks. 

Achilles Tendonitis can be an everyday agonising and torturous pain, but, we are here to help you. Book your appointment here and we can work with you to create the perfect plan to get you pain-free and back to your full potential again!