Conservative Care
The current page lists stretching, heel lifts, arch supports, icing, anti-inflammatory creams and steroid injections among the initial options.
Achilles Tendon Care
Move Beyond Achilles Tendon Pain
Understand why it happens, how it is evaluated and what the practice recommends when conservative care has not resolved it.
01 — Understand
One tendon under constant demand
The practice describes the Achilles as helping lift the heel and propel the foot forward during walking and jumping.
That repeated pull can lead to overuse, strains, sprains and tears in the tissue. Pain may also appear after a sudden burst of exertion following a period of inactivity.
- Runners
- Weight lifters
- Growing children
- Previously inactive adults
Locate the pattern
Where does Achilles pain show up?
The current practice page distinguishes between pain along the tendon cord and pain where the tendon meets the heel bone.
The watershed area
The palpable cord at the back of the heel can become inflamed, and a nodule may form as a result of micro-tearing in the tissue.
Where tendon meets bone
Pain may occur at the Achilles insertion on the back of the heel bone. The practice notes that a prominent bump, described as a Haglund’s deformity, may or may not be present.
A recognizable first moment
Patients may connect the first pain with running, exercise, footwear or simply standing up and feeling a sharp pain at the back of the heel.
02 — Identify
Look beyond the symptom
The evaluation described by the practice combines a physical examination with imaging selected for the suspected type and degree of tissue damage.
Explore the evaluation
Four ways the practice may assess the tendon
Select a method to understand what it contributes to the diagnostic process.
Physical examination
The practice describes palpating the tendon cord and insertion site to identify where pressure produces pain.
X-ray
X-rays may be used to identify spurring or calcification associated with the Achilles tendon.
Diagnostic ultrasound
Ultrasound may be used to measure tendon thickness and color and to look for tearing in the tissues.
MRI
An MRI may be recommended to evaluate the level, location and degree of suspected tissue damage.
03 — Treat
A clear progression of care
Care begins with conservative measures. When those approaches do not resolve the pain, the practice may recommend the Orthotripsy Procedure.
The goal of treatment is not the equipment itself. It is a considered path back toward comfortable movement and normal routines.
04 — Return
A gradual return to activity
The practice describes a gradual return to activity after the Orthotripsy Procedure rather than an extended period of non-weight-bearing recovery.
- Same dayBack in your shoes
The practice states that patients are full weight-bearing and walking in their shoes the same day.
- First three daysAllow the initial process
The practice recommends three days away from work and strenuous activity to allow the inflammatory process to take effect.
- Over the next monthIncrease activity gradually
The practice recommends slowly increasing activity over approximately one month.
Take the Next Step
Discuss persistent Achilles pain
Talk with the team about your symptoms, previous treatment and the evaluation options available at the practice.