5 Ways to Treat Achilles Tendon Injuries

November 4, 2026

Achilles tendon injuries affect the strong band connecting your calf muscles to your heel. They may result from overuse, sudden strain, or trauma and can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, or weakness. Early podiatric evaluation helps identify the injury and guide treatment before it becomes chronic or worsens.

Achilles tendon injuries evaluation by a podiatrist

What causes Achilles tendon injuries?

The Achilles tendon absorbs significant force whenever you walk, run, jump, or climb stairs. An injury can develop gradually through repeated stress or happen suddenly when the tendon is overloaded.

Common causes include:

  • Increasing exercise intensity too quickly
  • Running or jumping on hard or uneven surfaces
  • Tight calf muscles or limited ankle flexibility
  • Poor footwear or inadequate support
  • Age-related tendon weakening
  • A sudden push-off, fall, or direct impact

Achilles tendonitis, also called Achilles tendinopathy, usually develops over time. A partial or complete tendon tear is more serious and may require urgent assessment. People who participate in sports, perform physically demanding work, or have previously injured the area may have a higher risk.

What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury?

Symptoms depend on the type and severity of the injury. Tendon irritation often causes pain that starts mildly and becomes more noticeable during activity. A rupture may cause sudden, intense pain and immediate difficulty walking.

Typical signs include:

  • Pain, tenderness, or burning above the heel
  • Morning stiffness that improves with movement
  • Swelling or thickening along the tendon
  • Pain when running, climbing, or pushing off
  • Weakness when standing on the toes
  • A popping sensation or sudden loss of strength

Pain at the back of the heel can have several causes. Our information about heel pain may help you compare related symptoms, but it cannot replace a professional examination.

How is an Achilles tendon injury diagnosed?

A podiatrist begins by discussing how the pain started, your activity level, previous injuries, and any changes in footwear or training. The examination may include checking the tendon for tenderness, swelling, thickening, weakness, and gaps in the tissue.

Your provider may observe your walking pattern, test ankle movement, and assess your ability to rise onto your toes. If a rupture or more complex problem is suspected, imaging such as ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging may be recommended. X-rays do not show the tendon itself, but they can help identify bone problems or other causes of heel pain.

A careful diagnosis matters because Achilles tendon injuries can resemble calf strains, ankle sprains, bursitis, or stress injuries. You can also learn more about related ankle injuries and sports injuries .

What are the treatment options?

Treatment depends on whether the tendon is irritated, partially torn, or completely ruptured. It also depends on your age, activity goals, overall health, and how long symptoms have been present.

1. Activity modification and protection

Reducing activities that increase pain gives the tendon time to settle. Your podiatrist may recommend temporary rest from running, jumping, or hill training. A walking boot, heel lift, or other support may be appropriate for a more significant injury.

Protection should not mean complete inactivity indefinitely. Once the tendon is ready, gradual movement helps restore strength and function.

2. Physical therapy and targeted exercises

A structured rehabilitation program may include gentle mobility work, calf stretching, balance exercises, and progressive strengthening. Eccentric and other loading exercises can help improve tendon capacity when introduced at the right stage.

Exercises should be individualized. Starting aggressive stretching or strengthening too soon can increase pain or delay healing. A physical therapist or podiatrist can help determine the safest progression.

3. Footwear and orthotic support

Shoes with appropriate cushioning, a stable heel counter, and enough room for the foot may reduce stress on the tendon. In some cases, custom or prefabricated orthotics can improve alignment and distribute pressure more evenly.

Orthotics are not a universal solution, but they may be useful when foot mechanics contribute to recurring symptoms. They work best as part of a broader treatment plan.

4. Office-based treatments

For persistent tendinopathy, your provider may discuss treatments designed to support healing and reduce pain. Depending on your evaluation, options can include regenerative procedures, therapeutic technology, or other nonoperative care. Nagy Footcare offers services for a range of foot and ankle conditions, which you can review on the Services page.

Treatments should be selected after a diagnosis rather than based only on the location of pain. For certain chronic tendon problems, EPAT or PRP may be discussed when clinically appropriate.

5. Surgical treatment

A complete rupture, severe partial tear, or tendon problem that does not improve with appropriate conservative care may require surgery. Surgical options vary according to the location and extent of the damage.

A podiatrist can explain whether referral, repair, or another procedure is appropriate. When surgery is recommended, rehabilitation remains an important part of recovery.

Achilles tendon rehabilitation with guided calf strengthening

When should you see a podiatrist?

Make an appointment for ongoing Achilles pain, recurring swelling, morning stiffness, or symptoms that interfere with normal activity. Early assessment is especially valuable when pain continues despite rest or keeps returning after exercise.

Seek prompt medical attention if you experience:

  • A sudden pop in the back of the ankle
  • Immediate severe pain or swelling
  • Difficulty walking or pushing off
  • Inability to stand on the affected toes
  • A visible depression in the tendon

Do not try to “walk it off” after a sudden injury. Limiting weight-bearing and arranging an evaluation can help prevent additional damage.

How can you prevent another Achilles injury?

Prevention focuses on gradually building tendon strength and avoiding sudden changes in load. Before exercise, warm up with light movement rather than aggressive stretching. Increase distance, speed, hills, or jumping volume one change at a time.

Helpful habits include:

  • Wearing activity-appropriate shoes and replacing worn footwear
  • Strengthening the calves and supporting muscles consistently
  • Maintaining ankle mobility without forcing painful ranges
  • Taking recovery days between demanding workouts
  • Addressing foot alignment, balance, or recurring ankle problems
  • Returning to sport only when strength and movement have recovered

People with persistent ankle weakness may also benefit from evaluation for weak ankles or ankle instability .

Can Achilles tendon injuries heal without surgery?

Many cases of Achilles tendonitis and mild tendon injury improve with activity modification, rehabilitation, footwear changes, and carefully selected treatment. A complete rupture is different and requires prompt evaluation to determine whether surgery or structured nonsurgical care is appropriate.

How long does recovery take?

Recovery varies widely. Mild irritation may improve over several weeks, while chronic tendinopathy or a rupture can require months of rehabilitation. Returning to activity too quickly increases the risk of reinjury, so progress should be based on pain, strength, mobility, and function rather than a calendar alone.

What should you do next?

Achilles tendon injuries are easier to manage when evaluated early and treated according to their severity. Persistent heel or ankle pain, swelling, stiffness, or weakness deserves professional attention, especially if it limits walking or exercise. Start by reducing painful activity, avoiding sudden increases in training, and scheduling a podiatric assessment. Dr. Brian A. Nagy provides comprehensive foot and ankle care at Nagy Footcare. Visit the contact page to request an appointment or learn how the office can help.

Podiatrist discussing an Achilles tendon injury care plan with a patient
Diabetic shoes designed to protect feet and reduce pressure
September 15, 2026
Learn how diabetic shoes protect sensitive feet, reduce pressure, and help prevent sores. Find out who may qualify and how to discuss coverage with a podiatrist.
A high-quality custom orthotic insert designed for foot support and alignment.
July 21, 2026
Discover the top benefits of custom orthotics for long-term foot health and pain relief. Learn how prescription inserts improve alignment at Nagy Footcare.
Supportive summer sandals for healthy feet on a grassy background.
June 4, 2026
Discover the best sandals for healthy feet this summer. Learn why flip-flops are risky and how to choose podiatrist-approved footwear with proper arch support.
A person walking along a sunny beach shoreline in summer.
May 27, 2026
Discover essential summer foot care tips to prevent pain, swelling, and infections. Learn how to choose the best footwear and stay healthy all season with Nagy Footcare.
By VIV Builder • July 17, 2025
Your feet are the foundation of your entire body — when they’re not properly supported, it can lead to pain not just in your feet, but in your ankles, knees, hips, and back, too. That’s where custom orthotics come in! What Are Custom Orthotics? Custom orthotics are medical-grade shoe inserts that are specifically designed for your unique feet, gait, and needs. Unlike over-the-counter insoles, custom orthotics are crafted based on a detailed assessment by your podiatrist, ensuring the perfect fit and support for your lifestyle. Who Can Benefit from Custom Orthotics? Custom orthotics can help people with: ✅ Flat feet or high arches ✅ Plantar fasciitis or heel pain ✅ Bunions or hammertoes ✅ Arthritis ✅ Sports injuries ✅ Foot, ankle, knee, hip, or lower back pain caused by poor alignment How Do They Work? Custom orthotics work by redistributing pressure and correcting misalignments, which helps your feet function properly and comfortably. They can also help prevent future problems by providing the support you need with every step. Ready to Feel the Difference? If you’re experiencing foot or lower body pain, custom orthotics may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Schedule an appointment today and let our foot specialists help you step into lasting comfort and support!
A woman is walking down a path in a park.
By VIV Builder • April 10, 2025
Your feet are the foundation of your body, supporting you with every step you take. We understand that maintaining foot health is crucial to your overall well-being and mobility. In honor of April being National Foot Health Awareness Month, this blog explores why foot health should never be overlooked and provides tips for keeping your feet healthy. Why Foot Health Matters The human foot is a complex structure of 26 bones, 33 joints, and over 100 muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This intricate design allows for movements such as walking, running, and jumping. However, it also means that many things can go wrong if not cared for properly. Poor foot health can lead to a range of issues from simple aches and pains to more severe conditions like plantar fasciitis or diabetic neuropathy. Moreover, problems in your feet can affect other parts of your body, including your knees, hips, and back. Tips for Maintaining Healthy Feet Regular Check-ups: Just like regular dentist visits, regular check-ups with a podiatrist, especially during National Foot Health Awareness Month, can help catch foot problems before they become serious. Proper Footwear: Wear shoes that fit well and provide good support. Different activities require different types of shoes – what you wear for running is not suitable for a day at work. Foot Hygiene: Wash your feet daily, dry them thoroughly to prevent infections, and change socks daily. Stay Active: Regular exercise helps keep your feet and body healthy. Remember to stretch your feet and ankles before and after workouts. Manage Your Weight: Extra weight puts additional pressure on your feet, increasing the risk of foot disorders. Common Foot Conditions and Treatments Plantar Fasciitis: Often felt as heel pain, treated with exercises, proper footwear, and sometimes orthotics. Bunions: Misaligned big toe joints that can become swollen and tender. Treatment options include wearing comfortable shoes, pads, and in severe cases, surgery. Diabetic Foot Care: People with diabetes need to take extra care of their feet as poor blood circulation and nerve damage can lead to serious foot problems. We believe in a proactive approach to foot health. Whether you're an athlete, a busy professional, or enjoying retirement, taking good care of your feet is a step toward a healthier life. Celebrate National Foot Health Awareness Month with us and schedule an appointment today to learn how you can better care for your feet and enhance your overall wellness.
A person is holding their foot in pain.
By VIV Builder • April 25, 2018
Here's the rewritten blog with all specific names and locations removed: A hammertoe is a deformity of the toe that causes the middle joint to bend, resembling the shape of a hammer. If you have hammertoes, you should seek medical attention. The sooner you seek treatment, the likelier it is that the problem won't get worse. The podiatrists at our foot and ankle center are here to help with the treatment of hammertoes.  About Hammertoes Hammertoes are painful deformities of the toes, and often affect the middle three toes. Initially, hammertoes may be flexible, but over time, they may become rigid and require surgery to straighten the toes. Because hammertoes are progressive, they should receive early medical attention, as they won't get better without some kind of intervention. Causes of Hammertoes Some causes of hammertoe are poorly fitting shoes, high heels, foot injuries, and medical conditions that affect the nerves and muscles, such as diabetes and arthritis. Women are more likely to develop hammertoes than men. The risk of developing a hammertoe increases with age. Genetics can also play a role in hammertoes, as they may run in families. Hammertoes can be a serious problem for diabetics and people with poor circulation. Symptoms of Hammertoes Deformity is usually the first symptom of hammertoe. Patients with hammertoes may have calluses or corns on the top of the middle joint of the toes or on the tips of the toes. They may feel pain in their toes and have difficulty finding footwear that is comfortable. At first, they may be able to move and straighten the deformed toes. Over time, they will no longer be able to move the deformed toes. Hammertoe Treatments Padding and taping is the first step in a treatment plan. Padding and taping the hammertoe prominence relieves the stress and pain and allows the patient to continue a normal, active life. Cortisone injections and anti-inflammatory medications can be prescribed to relieve pain and inflammation caused by the deformity. Custom-fitted shoe inserts called orthotics made by your foot doctor may ease your discomfort and prevent the worsening of the deformity. When the hammertoe is not resolved with the above methods, surgery may be necessary. Don't let a hammertoe knock you off your feet. Call our office today to schedule a consultation. Our hammertoe treatments will ease your pain and help you get back to a normal, happy, and healthy life.
A man is kneeling down on the road tying his shoes.
By VIV Builder • January 23, 2018
Find out if the symptoms you're experiencing could be trying to tell you that you have a stress fracture. A stress fracture occurs when a tiny crack in the bone of your foot or ankle develops. More often than not, stress fractures come about over time due to overuse, which is why a lot of athletes experience this problem at some point during their lifetime. Are you wondering if your discomfort could actually be a stress fracture? Our podiatrists are here to help you figure out if it's time to schedule an evaluation.  How do stress fractures happen? As mentioned above, this is a problem that commonly plagues athletes and runners because stress fractures often arise from overuse or from performing repetitive movements. Of course, if you suddenly change the intensity or duration of a workout you may also find yourself dealing with this problem. It's important that you are warming up and conditioning your body properly before exercising or adopting a new workout routine. Those with other health problems such as osteoporosis or arthritis may also be prone to stress fractures in the feet and ankles. What are the symptoms of a stress fracture? Pain is the number one indicator of a stress fracture. Of course, a lot of injuries and other problems can lead to foot and ankle pain, so you'll want to visit your foot doctor for a proper and comprehensive evaluation to determine the true source of your pain. If you have a stress fracture, pain may get worse when walking or putting weight on the foot, but the pain may subside when resting. The pain may be exacerbated throughout the day depending on your activity level. There may also be some swelling present on the top portion of the foot or around the ankle depending on the location of the stress fracture. The area may also be tender to the touch or there might be some minor bruising. If you suspect that you have a stress fracture, it's important that you schedule an appointment right away so that your condition can be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible to prevent complications. Don't ignore changes in the health of your feet. Our team of foot care specialists is here to make sure you get the care you need to speed up recovery and get back to your daily activities. Call our office today to learn more.
A woman is holding her foot in pain.
By VIV Builder • November 22, 2017
Does heel pain make walking uncomfortable? The podiatrists at our foot and ankle center share common causes of heel pain and explain what can be done to relieve it.  Haglund's Deformity Haglund's deformity, also known as retrocalcaneal bursitis, causes a swollen red bump to develop on the back of your heel. The bursa, a small, fluid-filled sac, helps your Achilles tendon glide over the bones in your ankle joint easily. You can develop Haglund's deformity if you wear shoes that rub against your heel or exercise more intensely or longer than normal. The condition often goes away if you choose shoes that don't irritate your heel. Soaking your heel in warm water, applying ice packs, and taking over-the-counter pain medication can help reduce pain. If your symptoms continue, you may benefit from physical therapy, ultrasound treatment, corticosteroid injections, or orthotics. Calluses Painful calluses can develop on your heel if you wear shoes that don't fit well or if one of the metatarsal bones in your foot is longer than the other. Although you can remove shallow calluses with a pumice stone, it's a good idea to schedule an appointment with your podiatrist if your callus is thick or you have diabetes. If a difference in the length of your bones causes frequent calluses, you may benefit from surgery to lift and realign the longer bone. Plantar Fasciitis An inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of connective tissue you can feel if you press on the sole of your foot, is a common cause of heel pain. The condition is more likely to occur if you run or are on your feet for long periods of time, are overweight, or have an arch problem. If your pain is mild, you may notice some improvement if you stay off your feet, apply ice packs, and perform a few stretching exercises. Corticosteroid injections, night splints, and heel inserts are often recommended by foot doctors to treat plantar fasciitis symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be needed. Are you concerned about your heel pain? Call our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our podiatrists. We are here to help you get back on your feet.
A man and a woman are laying in bed under a blanket.
By VIV Builder • October 6, 2017
Here's the rewritten blog with all specific names and locations removed: Have foot fungus? Fungal infections are very common. Studies show that foot infections like toenail fungus and athlete's foot do spread from person to person. The podiatrists at our foot and ankle center offer treatments for fungal infections. Here's how to keep your foot fungus from spreading to your partner.  1. See a podiatrist for treatment. If you think you may have foot fungus, book an appointment with your podiatrist right away. A podiatrist can figure out if you have foot fungus. The doctor will be able to tell by looking at the skin on your feet. The doctor may scrape off a skin sample to test for fungus. Your podiatrist may suggest using an antifungal ointment, powder, lotion, or spray. 2. Cover up your fungal infection. If you live with your partner, do this every day. Fungal infections can be spread from person to person by touching. Keep the fungal infection covered until it has been treated. Don't cover the area too tightly. It's important to keep the area dry and cool as you treat the foot fungus. 3. Practice good hygiene. By practicing good hygiene, you may be able to keep your foot fungus from spreading to your partner. Wash and dry your feet regularly. Make sure that you wash your hands any time that you may have touched your own fungal infection. Keeping your feet dry and clean is a simple way to prevent foot fungus from spreading to your partner. 4. Avoid walking barefoot. Wearing shoes is a simple way to prevent foot fungus from spreading to your partner. If you have foot fungus, walking around without shoes will increase the chance that you will spread it to your partner. Make sure your partner protects their feet at home. 5. Don't share your personal items. Don't share any personal care items such as shoes, towels, clothing, socks, nail clippers, nail files, antiperspirant, or razors with your partner. A fungal infection of the foot can be spread by indirect contact with an infected individual's personal care items. Say hello to healthy and happy feet! Don't wait another minute -- call our office today to schedule an appointment. Get your life back on track by receiving the best foot fungus treatment available. We will help you achieve real relief with little expense or trouble.
Show More