Expert diagnosis & rehab from one of the UK’s leading podiatry and sports-injury clinics
If you’re experiencing pain, tightness or swelling at the back of your heel or lower calf, you may be suffering from Achilles tendonitis, also known as Achilles tendinopathy.
Most patients come to us after searching for:
- “Pain at the back of my heel when walking”
- “Achilles pain in the morning”
- “Achilles tendonitis treatment near me”
- “Why does my Achilles hurt when running?”
- “Tight calves causing Achilles pain”
- “Achilles pain going upstairs or uphill”
- “Lump on Achilles tendon”
If this sounds like you, you’re in the right place.
As one of the UK’s leading podiatry and sports-injury clinics, we specialise in diagnosing and treating Achilles tendonitis using advanced biomechanical assessment / gait analysis, targeted rehabilitation and evidence-based treatment protocols.
What is Achilles tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis / Achilles tendinopathy is irritation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon — the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone.
It often causes:
- sharp or aching pain
- stiffness first thing in the morning
- swelling or thickening of the tendon
- pain during walking or running
- discomfort when climbing stairs or hills
- tight calves
- pain when touching or squeezing the tendon
Achilles tendonitis is extremely common in active adults, runners, gym-goers, and anyone who spends long hours on their feet.
Why does Achilles tendonitis happen?
Achilles tendonitis is a load-related injury, usually caused by:
- tight calves
- overpronation (foot rolling in too much)
- unsupportive or worn-out footwear
- weak glutes or hip muscles
- sudden increase in activity
- returning to exercise too quickly
- poor running technique
- high arches or flat feet
- weak foot and ankle stabilisers
- reduced ankle mobility
- poor shock absorption in the gait
Because the condition is strongly related to foot mechanics, the most accurate way to diagnose and treat Achilles tendonitis is through our biomechanical assessment / gait analysis.
Why book Achilles tendonitis under our Biomechanical Assessment / Gait Analysis?
Our 1 hour 30 minute biomechanical assessment / gait analysis is one of the most advanced and detailed assessments available in the UK.
This appointment is essential for diagnosing Achilles tendonitis properly and building an effective rehab plan.
During this assessment we examine:
✔ Gait cycle (how your foot loads)
We identify abnormal patterns that overload the Achilles tendon.
✔ Foot posture analysis
Flat feet, high arches or ankle instability can all contribute.
✔ Podoscope assessment
Shows pressure distribution and heel strike mechanics.
✔ Joint range of motion
Especially ankle dorsiflexion — one of the biggest risk factors for Achilles tendonitis.
✔ Calf tightness
A major cause of Achilles pain in walkers and runners.
✔ Muscle strength testing
Weak glutes or calves often overload the tendon.
✔ Footwear examination
Shoes that are too soft, old, or unsupportive can worsen tendon load.
✔ Running or walking technique review
We identify biomechanical faults causing strain on the tendon.
This allows us to diagnose why your Achilles tendonitis developed — which is the key to fixing it long-term.
Treatment for Achilles tendonitis
Your treatment plan is fully personalised based on your biomechanics, activity level and symptoms.
Most plans for Achilles tendonitis include:
1. Load management
We guide you on how much activity you can safely do.
Rest alone does not fix Achilles tendonitis — but neither does pushing through pain.
2. Calf stretching
Targeting tight:
- gastrocnemius
- soleus
These play a huge role in Achilles tendon load.
3. Strengthening programme
One of the most important parts of treating Achilles tendonitis.
We focus on:
- eccentric calf loading
- heel-raise progressions
- foot and ankle stability work
- gluteal strengthening
- functional lower-limb strength
Evidence shows structured strengthening is highly effective for Achilles tendonitis.
4. Footwear advice
We guide you on:
- heel drop height
- cushioning level
- midsole density
- stability vs neutral shoes
- walking vs running footwear
The right shoes can reduce tendon strain immediately.
5. Custom orthotics / insoles
For patients with foot posture issues or overload patterns, orthotics can greatly reduce Achilles tendon strain.
Off-the-shelf options
Suitable for mild cases or temporary support.
Custom 3D-printed orthotics
For long-term correction, we use:
- 3D foot scanning
- pressure mapping
- gait analysis findings
- 3D printing
- materials tailored to your weight and activity
These custom orthotics:
- last over 10 years
- reduce excessive load on the tendon
- correct biomechanical faults
- improve long-term recovery
- can be moved between multiple shoes
6. Manual therapy (if clinically appropriate)
May include:
- soft tissue mobilisation
- trigger point release
- joint mobilisation
- tendon friction therapy
This supports your rehabilitation programme.
7. Shockwave therapy (optional for stubborn cases)
Shockwave can be extremely effective for chronic Achilles tendonitis by stimulating tendon healing and reducing pain.
8. Return-to-running or sport plan
We provide structured guidance to help you:
- return to walking
- return to running
- return to gym
- return to sport
…without the Achilles tendonitis flaring up again.
Frequently asked questions – Achilles tendonitis
1. How long does Achilles tendonitis take to heal?
Most patients see improvement within 6–12 weeks with proper treatment.
2. Should I stop exercising?
Not usually. We guide you on safe training levels.
3. Is Achilles tendonitis serious?
It can become serious if ignored, potentially leading to tendon degeneration.
4. Is it the same as an Achilles tear?
No — Achilles tendonitis is irritation; a tear is a sudden rupture.
5. Will orthotics help?
Often yes, especially if your biomechanics contribute to tendon strain.
6. Why is my Achilles stiff in the morning?
This is a classic symptom of Achilles tendonitis.
7. Do I need an MRI?
Not usually — clinical diagnosis is normally enough.
Book your Achilles tendonitis appointment today
If you’re tired of searching “Achilles tendonitis treatment near me”, “Achilles pain when walking” or “pain at the back of my heel won’t go away”, it’s time for a proper assessment.
As one of the UK’s leading podiatry and sports-injury clinics, we offer world-class diagnosis and treatment for Achilles tendonitis / Achilles tendinopathy, supported by advanced biomechanical assessment / gait analysis.
Book your Achilles tendonitis appointment today and take the first step towards pain-free movement.