Achilles Tendinitis

Achilles tendinitis symptoms typically develop gradually and may include:

• Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
• Tenderness or swelling along the tendon, particularly 2-4 inches above the heel
• Increased pain during or after physical activity
• Thickening of the tendon that you may be able to feel
• Difficulty pointing your foot downward or pushing off during walking
• Bone spurs may develop in chronic cases

Symptoms often start as mild discomfort but can progress to severe pain that limits your ability to walk or participate in activities.

Achilles tendinitis typically results from repetitive stress that exceeds the tendon’s ability to heal and adapt. Common causes include sudden increases in exercise intensity or duration, tight calf muscles, and biomechanical issues that place extra stress on the tendon.

Risk factors include: being over age 30 (when tendon flexibility decreases), participating in running or jumping sports, having flat feet or high arches, wearing worn-out athletic shoes, taking certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones), and having conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. Weekend warriors who exercise intensely but infrequently are particularly susceptible to this overuse injury.

At Synergy Health Partners, our specialists begin with a thorough physical examination, assessing your tendon for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. We’ll discuss your symptoms, activity level, and medical history to understand the factors contributing to your condition.

Imaging studies may include X-rays to rule out bone spurs or calcification, and ultrasound or MRI to evaluate tendon structure and identify areas of degeneration or partial tears. Our advanced diagnostic capabilities allow us to accurately assess the severity of your condition and develop the most effective treatment plan for your specific needs.

Seek medical attention if you experience persistent heel or calf pain that doesn’t improve with rest and home care after a few days. You should schedule an appointment with our specialists if pain interferes with your daily activities, walking, or exercise routine.

Seek immediate care if you experience sudden, severe pain in your heel or calf, hear a ‘pop’ during activity, or are unable to point your foot downward or push off during walking. Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and can prevent the condition from becoming chronic, which may require more intensive intervention.