Achillodynia refers to pain in the Achilles tendon. The pain is often located a few centimetres above where the tendon attaches to the heel bone, but can also be closer to the heel.

The Achilles tendon can become irritated or overloaded. Sometimes the tendon becomes thicker or stiffer. In many cases, this is not a genuine inflammation, but rather a tendon that has been subjected to too much strain or used too frequently.

Achilles tendon problems often arise when the tendon is subjected to more strain than it can cope with over a prolonged period. Irritation or strain can occur particularly during activities that place a lot of force on the calf and foot.

Possible causes include:

an abnormal gait pattern;
a foot position in which the foot tilts too far inwards or outwards;
a rapid build-up of training;
stiff calf muscles;
weak calf muscles;
shoes that do not provide sufficient support;
insufficient rest or recovery time between activities;
excess weight, which places additional strain on the Achilles tendon;
a lot of running or jumping;
walking on hills or stairs.

Symptoms often begin with stiffness or pain on starting to move. Later on, the pain may also become more noticeable during or after physical exertion.

You may notice that:

the Achilles tendon is painful when walking or exercising;
the tendon feels stiff when standing up;
Standing on tiptoe hurts;
the tendon is thicker or tender to the touch;
the pain returns when you start moving again after resting;
exercising or climbing stairs becomes more difficult.

A healthy lifestyle can help with the recovery from Achilles tendon problems. The tendon needs time to get stronger. That is why sufficient exercise is important, but it should be built up gradually and include plenty of recovery time.

Doing nothing for too long is usually not the best solution. However, resuming walking, exercising or jumping too quickly can actually make the symptoms worse. It is therefore helpful to ensure a good balance between exercise, physical activity and rest.

Our lifestyle coaches can help you work step by step towards getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and maintaining a healthy body weight. Mental health This is also a factor. Tendon problems can be long-lasting, and that requires patience. A clear plan can help to maintain confidence and keep the recovery on track.

There is a lot you can do yourself to reduce Achilles tendon problems. It is important to temporarily adjust activities that cause a lot of pain.

To reduce symptoms, you can:

Exercises for the calf muscle;
take sufficient rest between strenuous activities;
temporarily restrict running or jumping;
build up your training gradually;
wear sturdy shoes;
gentle training of the calf muscles;
do not suddenly start walking or exercising much more;
Please contact us if you experience a sudden sharp pain or the sensation of something snapping.

Our podiatrists We will examine your foot position, gait and the strain on your Achilles tendon. We will also look at your shoes and the physical demands of your sporting activities.

Treatment may consist of:

shoe advice;
podiatric insoles;
temporary taping of stools;
advice on fitness and training programmes;
exercises for calf strength and stability;
collaboration with a physiotherapist.

Together, we’ll look at how to reduce the strain on the tendon and how you can continue to exercise safely.

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Achilles tendon disorders

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