What Is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury causing pain, stiffness and swelling in the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It commonly affects athletes due to repetitive strain but can also develop from gradual wear and tear.
It is generally classified as insertional or non-insertional, depending on where the tendon is affected. Unlike an Achilles tendon rupture, tendonitis involves inflammation and degeneration, with recovery depending on the severity and duration of symptoms.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis can cause pain, stiffness, and difficulty with movement.
- Pain and stiffness in your Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
- Pain when the tendon is moved or touched
- Pain in your heel and along the tendon when running or walking
- Difficulty standing on one toe
- Warmth and inflammation along the tendon
- A noticeable bump or feeling of thickness on the tendon
- Reduced range of motion, such as difficulty bending your ankle or pointing your foot
Causes of Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles tendonitis can result from repeated strain or pressure on the tendon.
Repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, often caused by a sudden increase in physical activity without adequate conditioning.
Tight calf muscles, which can place additional strain on the tendon where it meets the heel bone.
Haglund’s deformity, an enlargement of the heel bone that can irritate and inflame the Achilles tendon.
If you experience these risk factors or symptoms, seeking prompt assessment can help prevent a more serious injury.
Immediate Self-Care for Achilles Tendonitis
An initial approach of rest, ice, heat, compression, elevation and light stretching may help reduce pain and swelling in the short term:
- Rest: Pause activities that clearly increase your symptoms for several days
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to manage pain and swelling
- Heat: Heat pads may help relax muscles and improve blood flow once acute swelling has settled
- Compression: A wrap or compressive elastic bandage can help reduce swelling; it should never be tight enough to cause numbness, tingling, colour change or increased pain
- Elevation: Raising your foot above heart level, particularly while sleeping, can aid in reducing inflammation
- Light stretching: Gentle stretching may help, alongside over-the-counter pain medication if suitable for you and advised by a healthcare professional
Self-care may offer short-term relief, but it doesn’t diagnose the underlying cause. Seek professional assessment if pain persists, worsens or affects your walking.
Recovery After Achilles Tendonitis Treatment
The following timeline is only a general guide. Your recovery may be faster or slower depending on the procedure, extent of tendon damage, wound healing, rehabilitation progress and your surgeon’s instructions.
Non-surgical recovery time varies. Many patients notice improvement within a few weeks, though complete recovery can take several months for more severe cases.
Surgical recovery follows a longer, staged path. Recovery to full strength and unrestricted high-impact sport may take 10 months or longer in some cases.
Don’t wait it out
Who May Be Suitable for Achilles Tendonitis Treatment?
If you’re experiencing persistent pain, stiffness or swelling in your Achilles tendon, you may be a candidate for treatment.
- People with obesity, which places additional strain on the tendon
- Individuals who recently increased their activity levels
- People with obesity, which places additional strain on the tendon
- People with flat feet
- Older adults
- Anyone with symptoms unresponsive to home remedies or conservative care
About Your Orthopaedic Specialist
Dr. Gowreeson Thevendran
MBChB (Bristol) · MRCS.Ed · Dip. Sports Med.Ed · FRCS.Ed (Trauma & Ortho.) · FAMS (Singapore)
Dr Gowreeson Thevendran is an orthopaedic surgeon in Singapore who specialises in lower limb orthopaedic conditions, trauma and fracture surgery involving the upper and lower limbs. He received his medical education from the University of Bristol and completed his surgical training in the UK and Canada.
Before setting up his private practice, Dr Gowreeson headed Foot & Ankle Surgery within the Department of Orthopaedics at Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH).
Questions patients ask
FAQs
Who Is at Risk of Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis can affect people of any age, though it’s most common among people in their 30s to 40s. People who participate in recreational or professional sports, those who have previously had steroid injections near the ankle, and people with obesity may also be at higher risk.
What Happens If Achilles Tendonitis Is Left Untreated?
Without appropriate care, the condition may progress to tendon degeneration, which can escalate to a partial or complete tear. Prompt evaluation and treatment from a specialist helps avoid these more serious outcomes.
Can I Participate in Sports With Achilles Tendonitis?
Many people return to sport after treatment, often supported by physiotherapy to strengthen the calf muscles and improve flexibility before resuming regular activity, which helps avoid re-injury.
Is Walking OK With Achilles Tendonitis?
Walking is generally safe, depending on the severity of your condition. Listen to your body, avoid steep inclines that overstretch the tendon, and wear supportive shoes. Severe pain may warrant a walking boot or splint.
Does Insurance or MediSave Cover Achilles Tendonitis Treatment?
Coverage varies by insurance policy and by the specific treatment. Patients are advised to consult the clinic directly to verify MediSave eligibility and insurance coverage before treatment.
Can an Orthopaedic Doctor Treat Achilles Tendonitis?
Yes. An orthopaedic doctor can offer a range of treatments, from conservative options like physical therapy through to minimally invasive procedures and surgery where appropriate.
Does Achilles Tendonitis Ever Fully Heal?
Yes, with time and proper management. Recovery varies by severity and individual factors, but with appropriate treatment and a gradual return to activity, most people regain full function.
What Are the Risks of Achilles Tendonitis Surgery?
Risks may include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, reactions to anaesthesia, blood clots, prolonged swelling and difficulty regaining full strength and mobility. Discuss these risks thoroughly with your surgeon before deciding on a procedure.
Sudden Pain or Suspected Tendon Rupture?
Sudden pain, a snapping or popping sensation, difficulty pushing off, or an inability to stand on your tiptoes may indicate an Achilles tendon rupture, which needs prompt medical assessment. If you’re experiencing severe injury or these symptoms, contact the clinic directly or attend an emergency department.