The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Achilles tendinopathy is pain and irritation of this tendon, usually from more load than it is used to, such as a sudden increase in running or a change in footwear.
The tendon responds well to the right kind of exercise. Physiotherapy helps you load it gradually so it becomes stronger, while you stay as active as possible.
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- Pain at the back of the heel or lower calf
- Tendon loading exercises at the core of treatment
- Advice on running, training and footwear
- Our doctor is on site if a scan or medical review is needed
- Increasing running or walking distance too quickly
- Hill or stair running
- Changing running technique or terrain
- Feet that roll in or out a lot
- Unsupportive shoes or frequent high heels
- Weight gain
- Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, worse in the morning
- Feels better once warmed up
- Worse with running, jumping or walking far
- Sometimes swelling or a thickened tendon
How physiotherapy helps
- Assessment: We check the tendon, your calf strength, ankle movement and how you run or walk.
- Load management: Adjusting activity, and using heel raises or insoles to ease strain for a while.
- Exercise: A progressive tendon strengthening programme, the most important part of recovery.
- Return to sport: Gradually rebuilding running and jumping when the tendon is ready.
Our doctor is on site and can prescribe pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine, arrange scans, or discuss an injection if it is needed.
- a sudden snap or feeling of being kicked in the heel
- you cannot rise up on your toes on that leg
- a sudden large swelling or gap in the tendon
Book physiotherapy for Achilles tendon pain
One-to-one sessions with our AHPC-registered physiotherapist at 79 Serangoon Garden Way, from $200 for 45 minutes. Home physiotherapy also available.
Frequently asked questions
Should I rest my Achilles completely?
Complete rest usually weakens the tendon. Reducing aggravating activity while doing the right exercises works better.
How long will it take?
Tendons improve slowly. Many people need several weeks to a few months of consistent exercise.
Do I need a referral?
No, you can book physiotherapy directly. If you need medical review, our doctor is on site.
Prefer us to call you?
Leave your details and our team will contact you within one working day.
Information reviewed by our physiotherapy team at Ashford Medical Centre. This page is general information and is not a substitute for a personal assessment.
