ConditionsAnkle & FootAchilles Tendonitis
Overuse Condition

Achilles TendonitisTendon Healing

Comprehensive treatment for Achilles tendon inflammation with evidence-based rehabilitation protocols.

Mild-Severe
Severity
Common
Prevalence
6-12 weeks
Recovery
Overuse
Category
Overview

Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It commonly occurs in runners and middle-aged people who participate in sports occasionally.

The condition can be acute (sudden onset) or chronic (developing over time). Early treatment is crucial to prevent progression to chronic tendinosis or tendon rupture.

Severity Levels

Mild

Early tendon irritation and stiffness

Symptoms:

  • Morning stiffness
  • Mild pain after activity
  • Slight swelling

Treatment:

Activity modification, stretching, ice

Prognosis:

Excellent with early intervention

Moderate

Persistent pain and functional limitation

Symptoms:

  • Pain during activity
  • Noticeable swelling
  • Difficulty with stairs

Treatment:

Physical therapy, eccentric exercises

Prognosis:

Good with consistent treatment

Severe

Chronic pain with possible tendon degeneration

Symptoms:

  • Constant pain
  • Significant swelling
  • Severe functional limitation

Treatment:

Advanced therapies, possible surgery

Prognosis:

Variable, may require extended treatment

Treatment Phases
1

Acute Pain Management

0-2 weeks

Reduce inflammation and pain

Activity modification and relative rest
Ice therapy after activities
Anti-inflammatory medications if needed
Gentle range of motion exercises
2

Active Rehabilitation

2-8 weeks

Restore tendon function and strength

Eccentric strengthening exercises
Progressive loading program
Calf and Achilles stretching
Biomechanical assessment and correction
3

Return to Activity

8-16 weeks

Gradual return to full activity

Sport-specific training progression
Advanced strengthening exercises
Running and jumping program
Long-term maintenance strategies
Exercise Program

Stretching

Daily, multiple times

Calf Stretch

Stretch against wall with affected leg back

Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times

Soleus Stretch

Calf stretch with knee bent

Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times

Achilles Stretch

Step stretch focusing on Achilles tendon

Hold 30 seconds, repeat 3 times

Eccentric Strengthening

Daily

Heel Drops

Rise on both feet, lower slowly on affected leg

3 sets of 15 repetitions

Single Leg Calf Raises

Calf raises on affected leg only

2-3 sets of 8-12 repetitions

Eccentric Loading

Controlled lowering with added weight

3 sets of 15 repetitions

Functional Training

Progressive

Heel Walking

Walk on heels to strengthen dorsiflexors

20-30 steps, 2-3 times

Calf Bounces

Small bouncing movements on balls of feet

2-3 sets of 20-30 repetitions

Plyometric Hops

Progressive hopping exercises

2-3 sets of 10-15 repetitions
Risk Factors

Training-Related

Sudden increase in activity
Hill running
Poor training surface
Inadequate warm-up

Biomechanical

Tight calf muscles
Overpronation
Poor footwear
Leg length discrepancy

Personal

Age 30-50 years
Male gender
Previous Achilles injury
Certain medications
Recommended for Achilles Recovery

Achilles Tendon Support Products

Discover our specialized range of heel lifts, compression sleeves, and stretching aids designed to accelerate Achilles tendon healing and prevent re-injury during your recovery journey.

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