Achilles tendinopathy
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon from overload.
Overview
Achilles tendinopathy is an overload condition of the tendon at the back of the ankle. It causes pain and stiffness, especially with the first steps in the morning and with running, and responds to progressive loading.
Symptoms
- Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon
- Worse with first steps in the morning
- Pain with running and hopping
- Localised thickening or tenderness
Causes
- Sudden increase in running or jumping load
- Calf weakness
- Changes in footwear or surface
Treatment
- Load management and activity modification
- Progressive calf and tendon loading
- Return-to-running progression
- Adjuncts where loading alone is insufficient