Do you suffer with pain in your heel and calf due to Achilles Tendinitis? We’re about to unpack what you really need to know, how to fix it, and what you absolutely shouldn’t do.
Over 30% of Achilles tendon ruptures are misdiagnosed or missed on initial assessment, often mistaken for ankle sprains or calf strains.
(Source: American Journal of Sports Medicine, 2020)
Understanding Achilles Tendinitis is crucial for effective treatment and prevention.
And whether it’s been diagnosed correctly or not, the thing that us therapists really wince the most about is hearing… “It just needs rest and it’ll go away on its own”. While rest may temporarily reduce pain, it doesn’t address the underlying issue — such as tendon weakness, poor biomechanics, or overload. Without proper rehab and progressive loading, the tendon often remains vulnerable, leading to:
- Chronic pain and tendon degeneration
- Risk of partial or full rupture
- Permanent thickening or lump in the tendon
- Altered walking patterns, causing knee, hip, or back issues
- Slower recovery and high risk of re-injury
On the flip side, proper rehab ensures:
- Faster recovery and return to daily activities and sport
- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Improved tendon strength and flexibility
- Lower risk of rupture or long-term damage
- Corrected biomechanics, preventing future injuries
- Better performance in walking, running, or jumping
- Long-term tendon health and injury resilience
If you need to break the cycle of heel pain, read on for our 3 golden tips;
1. Eccentric Strengthening Exercises, such as heel drops on a step help rebuild tendon strength and resilience. Eccentric loading has strong evidence for healing chronic tendinopathy.
2. Load Management. Gradually increasing activity while avoiding overload is crucial. Avoid “boom and bust” cycles and follow a progressive rehab plan with professional guidance.
3. Hands-On Treatment. Manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and dry needling can reduce pain, improve mobility, and support recovery.
If you’re dealing with persistent heel or calf pain, don’t wait. Early diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan can help you get back to doing what you love—pain-free.
👉 Contact us or book online today.
Your body deserves expert care. We’re here to help.