Cause
Achilles tendinitis is typically not related to a specific injury. The problem results from repetitive stress to the tendon. This often happens when we push our bodies to do too much, too soon, but other factors can make it more likely to develop tendinitis, including:
Symptoms
• Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon in the morning
• Pain along the tendon or back of the heel that worsens with activity
• Severe pain the day after exercising
• Thickening of the tendon
• Bone spur (insertional tendinitis)
• Swelling that is present all the time and gets worse throughout the day with activity
If you have experienced a sudden “pop” in the back of your calf or heel, you may have ruptured (torn) your Achilles tendon. See your doctor immediately if you think you may have torn your tendon.
Nonsurgical Treatment
In most cases, nonsurgical treatment options will provide pain relief, although it may take a few months for symptoms to completely go away.
EXERCISE
• Calf stretch
• Bilateral heel drop off the edge of a stair- go up onto your toes and then slowly back down to get a stretch. Go slowly to focus on the Eccentric part of the contraction.