The Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon ligament in the body. It connects the calf muscles with the heel bone. Injury or overuse of the Achilles tendon can lead to painful symptoms. Athletes or people who walk or stand a lot are often affected by pain in the Achilles tendon.
Symptoms of pain in the Achilles tendon
Achilles tendon pain can manifest itself in a number of ways. Most common are swelling, stiffness and pain in the heel – especially in the morning after getting up or after sitting for a long time. If such symptoms exist, mobility and strength in the heel may also be reduced. In more severe cases, rupture (injury/tear) of the Achilles tendon can occur.
There are several options for treating pain in the Achilles tendon. One may consider medical treatments such as immobilization, massage, and physical therapy. In addition, a healthy diet and adequate exercise can help relieve pain and reduce the risk of further injury.
Pain Achilles tendon – Physiotherapie Praxis Berlin-Mitte Christian Marsch
Treatment of pain in the Achilles tendon
Depending on the severity of the Achilles pain, treatment may vary. For minor injuries, RICE therapy (rest, ice, compression, elevation) is often sufficient. Physical therapy also helps restore heel mobility and strength. More severe injuries may require surgery, although seeing a qualified physical therapist can often prevent surgical procedures.
It is important to get to the bottom of initial symptoms promptly to forestall serious injury and take immediate action to heal.
Treatment Achilles tendon pain – Physiotherapie Praxis Berlin-Mitte Christian Marsch
Preventive measures
To avoid injuries to the Achilles tendons, warming up and stretching before exercise is essential. Comfortable and cushioned shoes also help reduce the risk of injury.
Those who exercise regularly should expand their sports program with regular stretching and strength exercises. These support the flexibility and strength of the Achilles tendon and reduce the risk of serious injury.
Achilles tendon pain can be very bothersome, but there are many ways to treat it. Prompt action can allow recovery, as well as reduce the risk of further injury. A combination of RICE therapy, physical therapy and preventive measures can restore heel strength and relieve or eliminate pain.
Frequently asked questions about pain in the Achilles tendon
What are the typical causes of Achilles tendon pain?
Achilles tendon pain is often caused by overloading, unaccustomed sporting strain, increasing training too quickly, incorrect footwear or shortened calf muscles. Long periods of standing, frequent running on hard surfaces or an irritated tendon after sport can also cause discomfort.
What does pain in the Achilles tendon feel like?
Pulling or stabbing pain above the heel is typical, especially in the morning after getting up or when taking the first steps. This is often accompanied by pressure pain, stiffness, swelling or a feeling of tension in the calf. If the irritation is more severe, the Achilles tendon can also hurt when walking or climbing stairs.
What helps with Achilles tendon pain?
In the acute stage, relief, cooling, temporary reduction of strain and adapted treatment usually help. Depending on the cause, physiotherapy, gentle mobilization, stretching exercises, strengthening the calf muscles and improving movement sequences can be useful. It is important not to ignore complaints permanently so that the irritation does not become chronic.
When should you see a doctor or undergo physiotherapy if you have Achilles tendon pain?
If the pain persists for several days, the tendon is swollen, weight-bearing is hardly possible or the symptoms keep recurring, a specialist examination should be carried out. A quick examination is also important in the event of sudden severe pain, a popping sound or a suspected rupture of the Achilles tendon.
Which exercises can help with Achilles tendon pain?
Adapted stretching exercises for the calf and sole of the foot and targeted strengthening exercises for the calf muscles often help. However, it is crucial that the exercises are appropriate for the cause and the irritation. Stretching too early or too intensively can also exacerbate symptoms. Individual guidance from experienced physiotherapists is therefore advisable.
Can you continue doing sport with Achilles tendon pain?
This depends on the severity of the symptoms. In the case of mild irritation, it is often possible to adjust the load, for example with less intensity or a temporary change in training. If the pain is more severe, sport should be stopped or significantly reduced so that the Achilles tendon can calm down. Jumping, running and sprinting sports in particular can exacerbate the pain.
How long does Achilles tendon pain last?
The healing time varies and depends on how severely the Achilles tendon is irritated and how long the symptoms have been present. Mild irritation can improve within a few weeks. If the pain persists for longer or the tendon is repeatedly overloaded, treatment may take longer. Early treatment usually improves the chances of recovery.
How can physiotherapy help with Achilles tendon pain?
Physiotherapy can help to specifically treat the cause of the symptoms. This includes improving mobility, reducing incorrect strain, building up the muscles and individually adapted exercises for the calf, foot and leg axis. The aim is to alleviate pain, improve resilience and prevent recurrence of symptoms.
Can Achilles tendon pain be prevented?
Yes, the risk can often be reduced through appropriate training, good footwear, regular stretching and strengthening as well as sufficient regeneration. If you do sport, you should slowly increase the intensity and volume. Lack of exercise, poor posture and constant overload in everyday life can also play a role and should be taken into account.