The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in your body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping—essentially every step you take.
When this tendon becomes inflamed or irritated, it leads to Achilles tendonitis painful condition that can limit mobility and, if untreated, may progress to partial or complete tendon tears.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we help patients across Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas recover from Achilles tendonitis through evidence-based treatments, targeted rehabilitation, and advanced care to restore full function and prevent re-injury.
The Achilles tendon endures enormous stress during physical activity. Repetitive strain, improper footwear, or tight calf muscles can cause small microtears in the tendon fibers. Over time, this results in inflammation, stiffness, and pain—particularly near the back of the heel.
There are two main types:
- Insertional tendonitis: Affects where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.
- Non-insertional tendonitis: Involves the middle portion of the tendon, common among runners and active adults.
While the condition may start as mild irritation, ignoring early symptoms can lead to degeneration known as Achilles tendinosis, where the tendon becomes thickened and weakened.
Causes:
- Sudden increase in physical activity or training intensity.
- Repetitive jumping or running, especially on hard surfaces.
- Tight calf muscles limit ankle flexibility.
- Poorly fitting shoes or lack of heel support.
- Walking barefoot or in flat footwear for long periods.
- Overpronation (rolling in of the foot while walking).
Risk Factors:
- Age (most common among adults over 30).
- Flatfoot or high-arch feet.
- Sports that involve explosive motion (basketball, tennis, soccer).
- Inadequate warm-up or stretching routines.
- Prior Achilles injuries or chronic strain.
Achilles tendonitis symptoms often begin gradually and worsen with continued activity.
Common signs include:
- Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel, especially in the morning.
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon.
- Tenderness that worsens during walking, running, or climbing stairs.
- Tight calf muscles and limited range of motion.
- A creaking or crackling sensation when moving the ankle.
- Pain that improves with rest but returns with activity.
In advanced cases, the tendon may become severely weakened and prone to rupture.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke performs a detailed evaluation to confirm Achilles tendonitis and determine the extent of tissue inflammation or degeneration.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history: Review of symptoms, activity level, and footwear.
Physical examination:
- Palpation of the tendon for tenderness or thickening.
- Range-of-motion and strength testing.
- Observing walking and ankle mechanics.
Imaging:
- Ultrasound: Detects tendon inflammation or tears.
- MRI: Provides detailed images for chronic or severe cases.
An accurate diagnosis ensures the right balance between rest, therapy, and potential advanced treatments.
Treatment focuses on reducing pain, improving flexibility, and strengthening the tendon to restore normal function. Most patients recover with non-surgical care.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Avoid high-impact activity until pain subsides.
- Ice therapy: Apply to reduce inflammation after activity.
- Heel lifts or orthotics: Reduce strain on the tendon by slightly elevating the heel.
Stretching and strengthening:
- Gentle calf stretches and eccentric heel raises help restore flexibility.
- Supportive footwear: Cushioned, supportive shoes or orthotic inserts prevent recurrence.
- Focuses on eccentric strengthening (controlled tendon loading).
- Soft tissue mobilization and ultrasound therapy for healing.
- Corrects biomechanical issues like overpronation.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections promote natural healing by stimulating tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory care: Medication or topical therapy for short-term pain management.
Most mild-to-moderate cases heal in 4–8 weeks with structured care.
Surgery may be required for chronic cases, severe degeneration, or tendon rupture.
Surgical options include:
- Debridement and repair: Removes damaged tissue and strengthens the healthy tendon.
- Reattachment: For insertional tendonitis, reattaching the tendon to the heel bone using anchors or sutures.
- Tendon transfer or reconstruction: In severe or recurrent cases, healthy tissue is used to reinforce the damaged tendon.
- Corrects structural issues contributing to chronic strain, restoring long-term stability.
Dr. Burke uses minimally invasive techniques when possible to speed recovery and reduce scarring.
Typical recovery timelines:
- Non-surgical: 6–8 weeks with progressive loading exercises.
- Surgical: 3–6 months for full tendon healing and strength restoration.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore flexibility and range of motion.
- Strengthen calf and ankle muscles.
- Improve balance and walking mechanics.
- Prevent recurrence through footwear and exercise modification.
Adherence to a structured physical therapy program ensures optimal long-term results.
Most patients recover fully with early diagnosis and adherence to therapy. Preventive care helps maintain tendon health and avoid re-injury.
Prevention strategies:
- Warm up and stretch before physical activity.
- Gradually increase training intensity.
- Wear supportive footwear for your foot type.
- Avoid repetitive hill running or stair climbing.
- Maintain calf flexibility through daily stretches.
- Replace worn-out shoes regularly.
Ongoing attention to flexibility and strength is key for lasting recovery.
You should contact Dr. Burke Orthopedics if you experience:
- Persistent heel or calf pain lasting longer than a week.
- Swelling or stiffness that limits activity.
- A snapping or popping sound at the back of the heel.
- Sudden pain or inability to walk (possible tendon rupture).
Prompt evaluation can prevent further damage and accelerate recovery.
Step Forward to Pain-Free Movement
If you’re struggling with heel pain or tightness that’s affecting your mobility, Dr. Burke Orthopedics offers comprehensive care to help you heal and get back to what you love.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, providing expert diagnosis, therapy, and advanced treatments for Achilles tendonitis and related foot conditions.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in lower extremity and sports-related injuries.
