A stiff or sore Achilles can be particularly noticeable first thing in the morning or when you start moving after rest. Achilles tendon pain can develop with changes in activity or training load, and symptoms can vary from person to person. At Living Health Group, we assess your symptoms, activity demands and goals before developing an individualised management plan.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel and plays an important role in walking, running and jumping. Achilles tendon pain can develop when the demands placed on the tendon change, such as an increase in running, jumping or other physical activity.
Where you feel the pain can also be relevant. Pain through the middle portion of the tendon and pain where the tendon attaches to the heel can have different presentations and may require different approaches to managing activity and rehabilitation.
Management often involves finding an appropriate balance between reducing aggravating activities and gradually building the tendon’s capacity through progressive loading. Your management plan will depend on your symptoms, assessment findings, activity levels and goals.
Sudden, sharp pain in the Achilles during activity, particularly if accompanied by a popping sensation or difficulty walking or pushing off, can indicate a more significant injury and should be assessed promptly.
Your care starts with understanding you, your symptoms and the factors that may be contributing to them. From there, we develop an individualised management plan based on your assessment, activity levels and goals.
We assess where your pain is located, how irritable your symptoms are, your calf strength and function, and the training or activity demands that may be relevant to your presentation.
Depending on your presentation, management may include advice around activity and training loads, alongside hands-on treatment where appropriate.
Progressive calf strengthening and tendon loading may be incorporated into your rehabilitation, with exercises and progression tailored to your symptoms, assessment findings and activity demands.
Where appropriate, we develop a gradual plan for returning to running, jumping and other activities, with progression based on your strength, symptoms and individual goals.
Achilles tendonitis treatment at Living Health Group is built around progressive loading and calf strength. Whether it is an Achilles tendon injury from a change in running or a gradual onset, assessment comes first.
Assessment, tendon loading and a graded return to running at our Wheelers Hill clinic, near Glen Waverley.
Book an appointment at our Wheelers Hill clinic, near Glen Waverley. We’ll take the time to understand your concerns, assess what may be contributing to your symptoms and tailor your care to your individual needs and goals.
