Pain at the back of your ankle or heel? It could be Achilles tendinitis - and our experienced team is here to help you recover
Achilles tendinitis can make walking, running, or even standing painful — especially first thing in the morning. Our expert team will assess the cause of your tendon pain and guide you through a personalised rehab plan to reduce symptoms, restore movement, and prevent recurrence. Whether you're an athlete or just on your feet a lot, we’re here to help you move pain-free again.
What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon — the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It typically develops gradually and is often linked to running, walking uphill, or sudden increases in activity levels.
This condition can be painful and frustrating, especially for active individuals, but with the right treatment, it can be managed effectively.
Common Symptoms:
What are the symptoms?
- Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
- Tenderness or pain when walking, running, or climbing stairs
- A warm or creaking feeling over the tendon when touched or moved
- Limited flexibility or strength in the ankle
Symptoms can range from mild to severe, and may worsen if left untreated.
What causes Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is typically caused by repetitive stress or sudden overload of the tendon. Common contributing factors include:
- Sudden increase in activity level or training load
- Poor footwear or improper running technique
- Tight calf muscles or reduced ankle mobility
- Inadequate warm-up or stretching
- Flattened foot arches or biomechanical imbalances
It can affect runners, walkers, and people who stand for long periods — not just athletes.
Our Approach to Treatment
At MacFarlane Physiotherapy, we’ll help you recover from Achilles tendinitis with a combination of evidence-based treatment and personalised care.
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
- Manual therapy to reduce tension and improve tissue health
- Progressive loading exercises to strengthen the tendon safely
- Shockwave therapy for persistent or chronic cases
- Biomechanical assessment using KINVENT and Walk3D
- Stretching and mobility work for the calves and ankles
- Taping or orthotic advice where appropriate
- Education on load management and pacing for training
We aim to help you return to sport or activity with confidence — and fewer flare-ups.
Why choose us?
Your personalised treatment plan may include:
- Highly experienced in treating sports and work-related injuries
- Access to KINVENT strength testing to track grip recovery
- Holistic care including massage, acupuncture, and shockwave therapy
- Personalised rehabilitation programmes designed around your life