Achilles Tendon Strain

The symptoms of an Achilles tendon strain can be mild or severe, and include:

• pain in the calf and heel area, often felt as a mild ache or severe burning pain after exercising for a long time

• tenderness and stiffness, especially in the morning

• swelling around the heel

• trouble standing on your toes

The Achilles tendon is very strong, but it’s often not flexible. While the direct cause isn’t always clear, an Achilles tendon strain isn’t often linked to a specific injury. 

Instead, it’s triggered by repeated or intense movement of the tendon, which leads to swelling and inflammation.

Anyone can get an Achilles tendon strain, but you’re more at risk if you:

• are older than 30 – the Achilles tendon weakens with age, making it easier to injure

• have a job that puts a lot of stress on your feet and ankles

• take part in sport only at the weekend – this means your Achilles tendon is less used to the stress

• wear high heels often

• take fluoroquinolone antibiotics

• have tight or weak calf muscles

• have bone spurs – an extra bone growth in your heel that rubs the tendon, causing pain

• have low foot arches or find that your ankles roll down and in when you walk

• you play sports regularly – especially those that involve stopping and starting suddenly

• you have increased the intensity of exercise too fast, without building up slowly

A doctor or specialist will ask about your symptoms and any recent activity. They’ll also take a look at your foot for signs of Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendon rupture, or bone spurs, before checking your range of motion.

This might be enough to diagnose an Achilles tendon strain, but sometimes you may need imaging tests too, such as:

• an X-ray

• an ultrasound scan

• an MRI or CT scan

In most cases, it’s possible to avoid an Achilles tendon strain by:

• warming up and cooling down before you exercise or play sports – focus on stretching, especially your calf muscles

• increasing the length and intensity of exercise slowly, rather than all at once

• varying your exercises to make sure you’re not putting repetitive stress on your Achilles tendon

• staying in shape and keeping your muscles active

• wearing shoes that fit properly and support your heels

• avoiding running uphill, or on uneven ground

An Achilles tendon strain can weaken the tendon, making it more likely to tear and become damaged. If you don’t rest the tendon after straining it, or get treatment, it can lead to complications, such as:

• Achilles tendinosis – when your Achilles tendon starts to break down

• an Achilles tendon rupture – when your Achilles tendon separates from your heel bone, tears or breaks completely

An Achilles tendon strain may only need rest, icing, and elevation to start healing. But if your symptoms are severe or don’t go away, other treatments may include:

• medicines – such as ibuprofen or naproxen. If these don't help, you may need prescription medicine to reduce swelling and inflammation, and relieve pain

• physical therapy – a physiotherapist will give you exercises to heal and strengthen the Achilles tendon, such as weighted heel raises

• orthotic devices – a shoe insert or wedge that raises your heel and helps to relieve strain on the Achilles tendon

• surgery – to repair your Achilles tendon. It’s used if no other treatments have worked, or if the tendon has torn

At Welbeck, our orthopaedic consultants are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

Get in touch today to book an appointment.