What's going on
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendinopathy, often called Achilles tendonitis, is overload of the tendon. It affects either the middle of the tendon, a few inches above the heel, or the insertion point where the tendon meets the heel bone.
Typical signs
- Stiffness in the tendon first thing in the morning
- Pain at the start of a run or walk that may ease, then return afterward
- Tenderness when you squeeze the tendon
- Thickening or a tender bump along the tendon or at the back of the heel
Common contributing factors
- A quick increase in running, walking, or hill work
- Tight calf muscles
- A change in shoes, especially to flatter or more minimal shoes
- Foot mechanics, including overpronation
- Certain antibiotics in the fluoroquinolone family
Possible rupture: get seen the same day. A sudden pop or the feeling of being kicked in the back of the heel, followed by trouble pushing off or walking, can mean the tendon has torn. Go to urgent care or an emergency department.
Which visit to book
Book the Focused Pain visit ($199).
When not to wait. If you can't put weight on your foot after an injury, have a wound, spreading redness, warmth, fever, or a foot that suddenly turns cold, pale, or dark, go to urgent care or an emergency department, or call 911. This clinic does not provide emergency care.