Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon (often simply called the ‘Achilles’) is the thick cord you can feel at the back of your ankle. It attaches the calf muscle to the back of your heel.

The 2 most common injuries of the Achilles tendon are:

• Acute rupture (break): a complete or partial tear that occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its natural range.

• Achilles tendinopathy (previously known as ‘tendinitis’ or ‘tendonitis’): a chronic (long-term) condition that causes weakness and breakdown of the Achilles tendon, due to a series of very small tears (also known as ‘tendinosis’).

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What are the symptoms of Achilles tendon injuries?

The symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy include:

• mild to severe pain and tenderness in the Achilles tendon area

• weakness or stiffness at the back of your heel (the stiffness may be more noticeable in the morning and get better as the tendon warms up with use)

• swelling

• decreased strength and movement

If you partially tear your Achilles, it can feel like tendinopathy. If you completely tear or rupture your Achilles, it can feel like a kick or hit to the back of the ankle. You might have trouble walking.

If you have pain under the heel, it is usually not an Achilles tendon problem.

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What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

Achilles tendinopathy is caused by excessive loading of the Achilles tendon. Causes include:

• a sudden increase in physical activity, or less recovery time between activities

• wearing unsupportive shoes

• running on hard or uneven surfaces

• tight or weak calf muscles

• not enough warm up

Achilles tendon rupture can be due to:

• forceful jumping or pivoting

• sudden bursts of running

• falling or tripping

• illness or medicines, such as steroids or certain antibiotics, that weaken the tendon (less common)

Achilles tendon ruptures are common and are most often seen in middle aged people who play high-energy sport in their spare time.

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When should I see my doctor?

If you are having pain, weakness, stiffness, swelling or reduced movement at the back of your heel, you may have an Achilles tendon injury so see your doctor for a diagnosis and a treatment plan.

If you were previously diagnosed with an Achilles tendon injury, and have followed your doctor’s treatment plan but you are still in pain, please come see us. We would love to help you.