Achilles Tendinitis

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Basic Pain Management

Achilles tendinitis is pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the heel. It is common in runners and active people, and responds very well to a structured loading program.

Talk to me about Achilles pain

The basics

What is Achilles tendinitis?

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and takes a lot of load when you walk, run, or jump. Tendinitis is when it becomes irritated and painful, usually from doing too much too soon.

It typically feels worst with the first steps in the morning and after activity. Like other tendon problems, it does not want rest alone. It responds best to progressive calf and tendon loading, which rebuilds its strength and tolerance.

What to notice

Common symptoms

  • Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel
  • Worse with the first steps in the morning
  • Ache during or after running or activity
  • Tenderness or thickening along the tendon
  • Tight calf muscles
Why it happens

Common causes

  • A sudden increase in running or activity
  • Tight or weak calf muscles
  • Hard surfaces or unsupportive footwear
  • A quick return to sport after a break
  • Previous tendon problems
The treatment

How physiotherapy helps

I settle the irritable tendon, then load it progressively, because the Achilles gets stronger through the right graded work rather than rest.

Load management

Adjusting running and standing so the tendon can settle without full rest.

Calf loading

Progressive calf and tendon strengthening, the core of recovery.

Hands-on therapy

Soft tissue work for the calf to ease tightness.

Return to running

A graded plan back to your running or activity goals.

What to expect

Your recovery journey

Treatment moves through clear stages. I set the pace to suit you, but the path usually looks like this.

01

Assessment

I confirm the cause and check your calf strength and loading.

02

Settle it

Reduce irritation with activity adjustments.

03

Load it

Progressive calf and tendon strengthening.

04

Return

Graded return to running and sport.

In your sessions

Exercises I may use

  • Calf raises, progressing to single leg
  • Slow, heavy calf loading as tolerated
  • Calf and soleus stretches
  • Graded return-to-running program

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent care if you felt a sudden pop or sharp blow to the back of the ankle, cannot push off or rise onto your toes, or have a gap in the tendon, as this may indicate a rupture.

Good to know

Questions I hear a lot

Should I stop running completely?
Not usually. I adjust your running rather than stopping it, so the tendon can settle while staying loaded enough to recover.
Why is it worst in the morning?
The tendon stiffens overnight, so the first steps feel sharp before it warms up. That morning stiffness is a classic sign.
How long does it take?
Tendons are slow to remodel, so recovery often runs from several weeks to a few months with consistent loading.

Let's get you moving again

Book an assessment with me and I'll build a plan around your body, your goals, and your day-to-day life.

Call +91 87997 18841
This article is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment. Everyone is different, so please speak to a qualified physiotherapist or doctor for advice on your own situation.