Achilles Tendinopathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments

What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy refers to degeneration, thickening, or inflammation of the Achilles tendon—the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone (calcaneus). This tendon plays a vital role in daily activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, and jumping.

Unlike an acute injury, Achilles tendinopathy usually develops gradually due to repeated strain or improper loading of the tendon over time. The result can be micro-tears, collagen breakdown, scar tissue formation, and even calcification in more advanced cases.

If not managed early, the condition can worsen, potentially leading to chronic pain or complete tendon rupture—both of which significantly impact mobility and quality of life.

Common Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy

The symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy can vary from mild discomfort to severe pain that limits daily activities. You may be experiencing this condition if you notice:

• Aching pain or stiffness in the back of the heel, especially after exercise
  
  
• Tenderness or swelling in the Achilles tendon area
  
  
• A bony lump at the back of the heel
  
  
• Reduced flexibility in the ankle joint
  
  
• Pain that worsens with physical activity and improves with rest
  
  
• Warmth or redness around the tendon

Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term damage.

What Causes Achilles Tendinopathy?

Achilles tendinopathy doesn’t typically occur from a single traumatic incident. Instead, it results from cumulative strain on the tendon, especially when:

• You increase your activity levels too quickly (e.g. running intensity or distance)
  
  
• You switch training surfaces abruptly (e.g. grass to concrete)
  
  
• You wear poor-fitting or unsupportive footwear
  
  
• Your calf muscles are tight, weak, or fatigued
  
  
• You skip proper warm-up and stretching routines
  
  
• You have a biomechanical issue (e.g. overpronation, leg length discrepancy)

Other contributing risk factors include:

• Age (commonly seen in people over 30)
  
  
• Obesity or excess body weight
  
  
• Diabetes or metabolic conditions
  
  
• History of lower limb injury
  
  
• High-impact sports like running, boxing, or basketball

At Flawless Feet, our podiatrists use biomechanical assessments to identify the root cause of your Achilles tendinopathy so treatment can be truly effective.

How We Treat Achilles Tendinopathy in London

We know that no two patients are alike. That’s why we customise each treatment plan based on your activity level, goals, and severity of symptoms. Our approach is non-surgical, evidence-backed, and focused on reducing pain, restoring mobility, and preventing recurrence.

1. Biomechanical Assessment

We begin with a full analysis of your gait, posture, and lower limb alignment to pinpoint imbalances that may be straining the Achilles tendon.

2. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Laser therapy stimulates cell regeneration, reduces inflammation, and accelerates the healing of tendon tissue—all without pain or downtime.

3. Shockwave Therapy

Radial shockwave therapy is highly effective in treating chronic Achilles tendinopathy. It breaks down scar tissue, stimulates blood flow, and promotes tendon repair.

4. Custom Orthotics

We design custom orthotic insoles that support the arch, correct foot posture, and offload pressure from the Achilles tendon.

5. Footwear Advice

Wearing the right shoes is crucial. We’ll assess your current footwear and recommend supportive, cushioned options suited to your foot type and lifestyle.

6. Sports Taping & Offloading

We use kinesiology taping to offload stress from the tendon during activities, allowing for safer movement while healing takes place.

7. Exercise Prescription

We guide you through stretching and strengthening exercises (e.g., eccentric loading protocols) tailored to your condition and recovery phase.

What Happens If Achilles Tendinopathy Goes Untreated?

Ignoring Achilles tendinopathy can lead to worsening pain, reduced function, and an increased risk of partial or complete tendon rupture. This can require surgery and months of rehabilitation. Early intervention helps:

• Preserve tendon flexibility
  
  
• Avoid scar tissue build-up
  
  
• Maintain an active lifestyle
  
  
• Reduce the risk of re-injury

The longer tendinopathy goes unmanaged, the harder it becomes to treat. At Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic in London, we aim to catch and correct issues early—before they escalate.

Book Your Achilles Tendinopathy Assessment in London

Don’t let heel pain or tendon discomfort limit your movement or performance. Our experienced team at Flawless Feet Podiatry & Laser Clinic in London is here to guide your recovery with science-backed treatment and personal support.

• Leading Podiatry and Chiropodists in London
  
  
• Decades of experience in musculoskeletal foot and ankle conditions
  
  
• Gait analysis and tailored rehabilitation plans
  
  
•  Latest technology in shockwave and laser therapy
  
  
•  Convenient London locations and easy online booking

Our priority is helping you walk, train, and live pain-free—with expert care you can trust.