If you’ve ever felt pain or stiffness in the back of your heel after a run, workout, or even after a long day on your feet, you may be dealing with Achilles tendinitis. This common condition affects the largest tendon in your body—the Achilles tendon—which connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Without it, you wouldn’t be able to walk, run, jump, or push off your foot.
At Sole Foot and Ankle in Valparaiso, we see patients of all ages who struggle with heel and tendon pain. The good news? With early care, Achilles tendinitis can usually be treated without surgery.
What Is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis happens when the tendon becomes inflamed, irritated, or begins to degenerate due to stress. It’s most often caused by repetitive strain or a sudden increase in activity that your tendon isn’t ready for.
There are two main types:
- Insertional Achilles tendinitis – affects the lower portion of the tendon, where it attaches to the heel bone.
- Non-insertional Achilles tendinitis – affects the middle portion of the tendon, more common in younger, active patients.
Common Symptoms Of Achilles Tendinitis
Symptoms usually develop gradually and may include:
- Pain or tenderness along the tendon, especially close to the heel
- Morning stiffness that improves with movement
- Swelling or thickening around the tendon
- Pain that worsens with activity, especially running or climbing stairs
- Limited flexibility in the ankle
- A “warm” or tight feeling in the calf muscles
If you hear a sudden “pop” or experience severe pain, this may signal a tendon rupture—a more serious injury that requires urgent medical care.
What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?
Several factors increase your risk of developing this condition:
- Overuse and repetitive strain – sudden increase in running distance, intensity, or hill workouts
- Tight calf muscles – which put more pressure on the tendon
- Improper footwear – shoes without support or worn-out soles
- Flat feet or high arches – which change the way your foot absorbs impact
- Age – tendons naturally weaken over time
- Medical conditions – diabetes, obesity, or high blood pressure may increase risk
How Achilles Tendinitis Is Diagnosed
A podiatrist will start with a physical exam, gently pressing along your tendon and checking your range of motion. Depending on your symptoms, imaging may also be recommended:
- X-rays – help rule out bone spurs or fractures.
- Ultrasound – shows the tendon in motion and detects tears, thickening, or poor blood flow.
- MRI – provides detailed images, especially helpful for chronic cases or before surgery.
Treatment Options
The treatment plan depends on the severity of your condition, how long you’ve had symptoms, and your activity level.
Conservative Care
- Rest and activity modification – avoiding running or high-impact sports until pain improves.
- Ice and elevation – reduce swelling and irritation.
- Medications – over-the-counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen or naproxen may help.
- Stretching and strengthening – gentle calf stretches and eccentric heel raises can help restore flexibility and strength.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist may design a program to:
- Strengthen calf and ankle muscles
- Stretch tendons and ligaments
- Improve mobility and reduce stiffness
- Re-train movement patterns to prevent re-injury
Orthotics and Support
- Heel lifts or wedges – reduce strain on the tendon
- Custom orthotics – correct biomechanical issues like flat feet
- Supportive shoes – reduce pressure during activity
Advanced and Regenerative Therapies
If symptoms don’t improve, newer treatments may be recommended:
- Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) – sends shock waves to stimulate healing.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections – use your body’s growth factors to promote repair.
- Ultrasound-guided procedures – such as tenotomy or tendon scraping, which remove damaged tissue through a small incision.
Surgical Treatments
When conservative and minimally invasive options fail—or if the tendon has ruptured—surgery may be necessary. Surgical procedures may involve:
- Removing damaged tissue
- Repairing tears
- Reattaching the tendon to the heel bone
Recovery from invasive bunion surgery can take several months, but with proper rehab, most patients return to normal activities.
Can Achilles Tendinitis Be Prevented?
Yes. While not every case is preventable, you can lower your risk by:
- Wearing supportive shoes and replacing them regularly
- Warming up before workouts and stretching calf muscles daily
- Avoiding sudden increases in activity
- Cross-training with low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling
- Using orthotics if you have flat feet or biomechanical issues
Outlook and Recovery
Most patients recover with non-surgical treatment, though healing can take weeks to months depending on severity. Returning to activity too quickly can lead to re-injury, so follow your podiatrist’s guidance closely.
If surgery is needed, recovery may take longer, but outcomes are usually very good when followed by physical therapy and proper rehabilitation.
When to See a Podiatrist
Make an appointment at Sole Foot and Ankle if you experience:
- Persistent heel or tendon pain
- Swelling or stiffness that doesn’t improve with rest
- Difficulty walking or pushing off your foot
- Sudden sharp pain and loss of strength (possible rupture)
A Note from Sole Foot and Ankle
Achilles tendinitis can hold you back from the activities you love, but you don’t have to push through the pain. At Sole Foot and Ankle, Dr. Harpreet Minhas offers comprehensive, personalized care—from conservative treatments and custom orthotics to advanced regenerative therapies and surgery when needed.
Call us today at 219-464-9588 or schedule an appointment online. Let’s get you back on your feet—stronger and pain-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to get rid of Achilles tendonitis fast?
There’s no overnight cure, but early treatment can speed recovery. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are the first steps. Supportive footwear, anti-inflammatory medication, and physical therapy can also help. For severe cases, a podiatrist may recommend custom orthotics or other targeted treatments.
How long does it take for Achilles tendonitis to heal?
Recovery time depends on the severity. Mild cases may heal within 2–4 weeks with proper care, while more serious tendonitis can take several months. Sticking to a treatment plan and avoiding activities that worsen the pain are key to faster healing.
Does walking help Achilles tendonitis?
Light walking may be safe in mild cases, but too much activity can slow healing. If walking increases pain or swelling, it’s best to rest and consult a podiatrist before resuming normal activity.
Should I stretch a sore Achilles?
Gentle stretching can help improve flexibility and support recovery, but overstretching a painful tendon can cause more damage. Always start slowly, and follow a podiatrist or physical therapist’s guidance on safe exercises.
Should I massage a sore Achilles?
Light massage may relieve tension and improve blood flow, but deep or aggressive massage on an inflamed tendon can worsen symptoms. If you’re unsure, seek advice from a podiatrist or physical therapist before trying massage at home.
