Achilles Tendinitis - What You Need To Know

Our Physiotherapist, Jess, explains what you need to know about Achilles Tendinitis and how we can treat it at Pro Perform Physiotherapy in Woodvale

What Is It?

Achilles Tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects the largest and strongest tendon in the body. The Achilles tendon attaches the muscles of the calf to the heel bone, and plays a significant role in propelling the body during walking, running and jumping. During these activities, the Achilles tendon can be exposed to loads up to about 10 times your body weight.

Common Symptoms:

• A dull ache around the back of the ankle or heel

• Pain that appears to reduce after a warm-up

• Pain that is worse the day after exercise

• Stiffness in the morning

What Causes It?

• Overtraining:

  Increasing running distance, intensity, or frequency too quickly.

• Poor Biomechanics:

  Having flat or over-pronated feet, or tight and weak calves can place increased stress through the Achilles tendon.

• Poor Footwear:

  Worn-out or unsupportive shoes can increase stress on the Achilles tendon.

• Increased Age:

  As age increases, the tendon can weaken, making it more prone to injury.

• Increased BMI:

  Increased weight can add additional stress through the Achilles tendon.

Who Does It Affect?

• Runners and athletes that engage in running and jumping (AFL, soccer, tennis, basketball, netball)

• Individuals wearing poor footwear

• Middle-aged individuals

• Individuals with increased BMI

• Individuals with health conditions such as increased blood pressure, diabetes and psoriasis

• Individuals who've recently used antibiotics

How Is It Diagnosed?

At Pro Perform Physiotherapy, diagnosis is usually clinical—meaning we don’t rely on scans unless symptoms are unusual or persistent.

During your assessment, we look for:

• Pain around the back of the ankle or heel

• A recent increase in exercise or load

• Pain during exercise - especially with running, jumping and walking

• Pain and stiffness in the morning

• Pain with stretch to the calf

Physio Assessment: What To Expect?

Our physiotherapists complete a thorough assessment that includes:

Movement & Strength Testing

• Foot and ankle mobility

• Calf and foot strength

• Single-leg balance

• Walking, running or jumping mechanics

Load & Activity Review

• Training history

• Work and daily step load

• Footwear worn at home or work

Ruling Out Other Conditions

• Plantar Fasciitis

• Stress Fracture

• Superficial Bursitis

Effective Physiotherapist Treatment:

Our evidence-based treatment plans are tailored to your activity level, goals, and lifestyle. Treatment may include:

• Load Management:

Adapting your training schedule to manage your symptoms, without completely stopping activity.

• Strength Training:

Focusing on improving calf strength, whilst also improving your leg strength to reduce stress through the Achilles tendon. This will help to improve load tolerance and long-term resilience.

• Footwear & Orthotic Advice:

Recommending cushioned, supportive shoes and strategies to reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.

• Plyometric Training:

Explosive, high-intensity exercises focused on improving the tendon’s ability to store and release power.

• Hands-On Treatment:

Soft tissue release, joint mobilisation, and other manual techniques to reduce pain and restore movement.

Recovery Timeframes:

Most clients will begin to see improvements within 4-6 weeks of treatment, with a full recovery typically taking up to 12 weeks. In more chronic cases, full recovery may take between 3-6 months. 

Local Physiotherapy In Woodvale

If you live in Woodvale, Kingsley, or surrounding suburbs and are experiencing any of these symptoms or pain in your feet, our physiotherapists can help you get back to comfortable, confident movement.

Take The Next Step

Book an appointment at Pro Perform Physiotherapy in Woodvale for expert assessment and treatment. Call us on (08) 9309 3166 or book an appointment online today.