Fax: (239) 692-9436
Tel: 239-430-3668Achilles Tendon Pain & Tendonitis Treatment
Why does the back of my heel hurt?
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone, and it absorbs enormous force every time you walk, run, or climb stairs. When that tendon becomes inflamed, irritated, or overused, the result is Achilles tendonitis — one of the most common reasons patients come to Family Foot & Leg Center. Left untreated, chronic Achilles pain can progress to tendinosis (tissue degeneration) or, in severe cases, a partial or complete tendon rupture.
Common causes
- Sudden increase in running or sports activity
- Tight calf muscles and limited ankle flexibility
- Unsupportive footwear or worn-out athletic shoes
- Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics
- Age-related wear and reduced blood flow to the tendon
Symptoms to watch for
- Stiffness or aching at the back of the heel, especially in the morning
- Pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest
- Swelling or a thickened tendon you can feel
- A popping sensation or sudden sharp pain (possible rupture — seek care immediately)
How we treat Achilles tendon pain
Most patients improve with conservative, non-surgical care. Our board-certified podiatrists build a treatment plan tailored to your activity level and the severity of your symptoms, which may include:
- Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) — the same non-invasive technology used by professional sports teams to reduce inflammation without surgery
- Guided stretching and physical therapy
- Custom orthotics to correct mechanical stress on the tendon
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections for chronic tendinosis
- Immobilization (boot or brace) for acute flare-ups
- Minimally invasive surgical repair for ruptures or tendons that fail to respond to conservative care
Why patients choose Family Foot & Leg Center
Family Foot & Leg Center is an ABFAS double board-certified surgical group — the gold standard in foot and ankle care — and an internationally accredited fellowship training center. We’ve been serving Southwest Florida since 2005 across 9 convenient locations in Collier, Lee, Charlotte, and Sarasota Counties, with same-day and next-day appointments available.
Don’t let Achilles pain sideline you
Whether you’re a weekend athlete or just trying to walk comfortably again, our specialists can diagnose the cause of your Achilles pain and get you on the path to recovery. Call (239) 430-3668 or schedule online for a same-day or next-day appointment at the location nearest you.
