What is Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the body’s largest tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping. Common among active people, it can also affect more sedentary individuals.
Symptoms
- Pain in the back of the heel or lower calf
- Morning stiffness or after periods of rest
- Swelling or warmth along the tendon
- Worsened pain with activity (running, stairs)
- Tendon thickening (chronic stage)
Frequent causes
- Overuse (running, jumping, prolonged walking)
- Misalignment of the foot (flat or high arches)
- Inadequate footwear
- Lack of warm-up or stretching
- Sudden increase in activity
- Age-related tendon degeneration
Risks of complications
- Partial or complete tendon rupture
- Chronic pain
- Major loss of function
- Compensatory pain in knees or hips
Treatment at PodiSanté
Complete biomechanical evaluation
Posture, gait, and muscle tension analysis.
Custom orthotics
Reduce mechanical stress on the tendon by correcting foot alignment.
Therapeutic treatments
• Targeted stretching and strengthening
• Radial shockwave therapy (non-invasive)
• Therapeutic laser
• Taping for support and offloading
Personalized guidance
Adapted training plans, shoe modifications and gradual return to physical activity.
