Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy

The Achilles tendon is at the back of the ankle and joins the heel bone to the calf muscles. Achilles tendonitis (more recently referred to as tendinopathy) is a condition of the tendon which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness of the tendon

What causes Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy?

It is thought that this condition is the result of repeated tiny tears (micro-trauma) to the tendon. After each tiny tear, if the tendon is not given time to heel, the micro-trauma can lead to a more significant injury known as tendinopathy. The tendon is also susceptible to degenerative changes and hence the healing process may take longer and not repair 100%.

Factors which may contribute to Achilles tendinopathy may include:

Overuse of the tendon e.g. such as in runners, dancers or regular sports players
Exercising in inappropriate footwear
Sudden changes to training regime
Compromised foot position such as flat arches/over-pronation
Training on inclined (sloped) surfaces

What are the symptoms of Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy?

Symptoms may include one or more of the following:

Pain & stiffness in the region of the tendon
Pain worse on your first step of the morning
Tenderness to touch the tendon
Swelling & thickening of the tendon
Pain & difficulty walking/running
Increased pain initially on running, clears during & worse again afterwards

Physiotherapy treatment for Achilles tendonitis/tendinopathy

Early physiotherapy intervention at is essential to enhance your recovery time, help you return to sporting activities and decrease the likelihood of future recurrence.
Our specialist physiotherapists will undertake an assessment to determine which factors have contributed to the development of the condition and will then design an individualised rehabilitation program specific to your needs and goals.

Each stage will be discussed thoroughly to ensure you are happy with your treatment.

Physiotherapy treatment at Cleethorpes Physio Clinic may include: