What Achilles tendon pain is
The Achilles is the strong tendon connecting the calf to the heel. Achilles tendon pain is felt at the back of the ankle or lower calf and is typically load related, often appearing after a change in training, footwear or activity. Tendons respond to load, so how you load it is central to managing it.
Why it happens
A spike in running, a new surface, calf strength, footwear and lower limb mechanics can all play a part. The assessment works out which of these apply to you so the plan targets the real driver.
Who tends to get it
Achilles pain is common in runners and in people who have recently increased their training, changed surface or footwear, or returned to activity after a break. It also becomes more common from midlife onwards as the tendon becomes more sensitive to changes in load. A recent change is usually somewhere in the history.
Where the pain sits
Achilles pain can be felt in the mid part of the tendon or lower down where it meets the heel bone. The two behave a little differently and can respond to different loading approaches, so part of the assessment is locating exactly where your symptoms are coming from.
What can help early on
Tendons usually respond better to managed load than to complete rest. Easing back the spike that triggered the pain rather than stopping altogether, supportive footwear, and starting gentle calf work often help in the early stages. Avoid the cycle of resting completely and then returning to full load, which tends to stir the tendon up again. These are general measures, and a graded plan suited to you is what the assessment is for. Where running is part of the picture, a gait and biomechanical assessment can help shape the plan.
How we approach it
The podiatrist examines the tendon and lower limb and looks at how you load and move. The plan usually centres on graded loading, supported by footwear advice and in clinic treatments where they suit. Tendon complaints reward patience, and we set realistic expectations from the start.
When to seek prompt assessment
Most Achilles pain builds gradually and is not urgent. Sudden, sharp pain at the back of the ankle during activity, sometimes with a sense of a snap and difficulty pushing off or rising onto the toes, is different and should be assessed promptly, as it can indicate a tendon tear rather than overload.
Signs people often notice
- Pain at the back of the ankle or lower calf
- Stiffness in the tendon first thing in the morning
- Discomfort that builds during or after running
- Tenderness when you squeeze the tendon
How we work
From assessment to activity
The same structured pathway applies to every condition we treat.
Assess
We review your training, footwear and history, and examine the tendon and lower limb.
Diagnose
We explain what is loading the tendon beyond what it is coping with.
Treat
The plan usually centres on graded loading, with footwear advice and in clinic treatments where suitable.
Rehabilitate
We progress load in stages, guided by how the tendon responds week to week.
Return
We reintroduce running or sport gradually as capacity builds.
Seeing a podiatrist for Achilles Tendon Pain in Forest Hill
Assessment and care is provided at Shop 26/500 Canterbury Rd, Forest Hill VIC 3131 by AHPRA registered podiatrists. You do not need a referral to book.
We regularly see people travelling from Blackburn, Mitcham, Vermont, Mount Waverley, Box Hill and Burwood East, along with the surrounding eastern suburbs of Melbourne. See all the areas we serve.
Cross-links
Treatments we may use
Questions
Common questions
Should I stop running completely?
Not always. Tendons often do better with managed load than full rest. The podiatrist will guide how to adjust your training rather than give a blanket answer.
Why does loading matter so much?
Tendons adapt to the load placed on them, so a graded loading plan is usually central to managing Achilles pain. The podiatrist tailors it to you.
How long will it take?
Tendon complaints are often measured in months rather than weeks and vary between people. The podiatrist will be realistic with you after assessment.
Do I need a scan?
Often not. The podiatrist can usually assess Achilles pain clinically and will let you know if imaging would change the plan.
Will heel raises or orthotics help?
For some people a temporary heel raise or footwear change reduces load on the tendon while it settles. Whether it suits you depends on your assessment, and it sits alongside loading work rather than replacing it.
Can I keep training?
Usually yes, with the load adjusted. The podiatrist will guide how to modify training rather than ask you to stop entirely.
Book an assessment
Book online, or call the clinic on (03) 9877 2077.