Achilles tendon pain and tendinopathy
The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It helps you point your foot downwards, rise onto your toes and push off when walking or running. Over time, the tendon fibres can become weaker and less flexible. Small areas of damage can then develop, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. Achilles tendon pain is sometimes called tendinitis. However, it is more commonly linked to changes within the tendon rather than inflammation, so Achilles tendinopathy is usually the more accurate term.
What is Achilles tendinopathy?
The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue connecting your calf muscles to your heel. It helps you point your foot downwards, rise onto your toes and push off when walking or running. Over time, the tendon fibres can become weaker and less flexible. Small areas of damage can then develop, causing pain, stiffness and swelling. Achilles tendon pain is sometimes called tendinitis. However, it is more commonly linked to changes within the tendon rather than inflammation, so Achilles tendinopathy is usually the more accurate term.
What causes it?
There may be more than one reason why this develops. Possible causes or contributing factors include:
- A sudden increase or change in training
- Repeated strain from running or jumping
- Changes within the tendon over time
- Arthritis or another inflammatory condition
- In some cases, there is no obvious trigger
What are the symptoms?
Everyone experiences symptoms differently, but you may notice:
- Pain or stiffness along the tendon, particularly in the morning
- Pain at the back of the heel that becomes worse with activity
- Swelling that may increase throughout the day
- More severe pain the day after exercise
- Thickening of the tendon
How is it diagnosed?
Your consultant will examine your foot and ankle and ask when the pain began, how it has changed and which activities make it worse. An X-ray may show swelling or a bony lump. An MRI scan can provide more detail about the condition of the tendon.
We’ll explain any tests clearly and talk you through the results, so you understand what they mean for you.
Treatment routes
Most people improve without surgery. Treatment focuses on reducing pain, gradually rebuilding the tendon’s strength and helping you return safely to activity. Together, we’ll build a plan around your needs, your recovery and the activities that matter most to you.
- Temporarily reducing or changing painful activities
- A personalised physiotherapy programme
- Pain relief or anti-inflammatory medicine, if advised
- A small heel insert to reduce strain on the tendon
- Shockwave therapy in selected cases
Your consultant will help you understand which options may be right for you and when your progress should be reviewed.
Recovery goals after treatment for achilles tendon pain and tendinopathy
Early recovery
Reduce pain and swelling Protect the tendon from further irritation Maintain comfortable movement
As your symptoms improve
Restore ankle and calf strength Improve balance and control Build tolerance to walking and everyday activity
Returning to full activity
Return gradually to running or sport Regain confidence in pushing off through the foot Continue strength work to reduce the risk of symptoms returning
Working with professionals and teams
Our consultants support professional athletes, sports teams and active individuals with the assessment and treatment of meniscus injuries. Working closely with physiotherapists, strength and conditioning specialists and the wider care team, they develop personalised treatment plans that support a safe return to sport or everyday activities.
The same specialist expertise and collaborative approach are available to every patient, whatever your activity level or goals.
How to pay
We offer flexible options depending on how you choose to access care at Fortius. Whichever option you choose, we’ll help make the process clear and straightforward from the start.
Private medical insurance
If your care is covered by private medical insurance, we’ll usually invoice your insurer directly. Please check your policy in advance and request an authorisation code if your insurer requires one. You’ll be responsible for paying any policy excess or costs that aren’t covered by your insurance.
Paying for yourself
You don’t need private medical insurance to access care at Fortius. If you’re paying for your own treatment, our team will explain the costs clearly and provide a personalised quote before you decide whether to go ahead.
Our specialists
Find a clinic near you
Fortius Clinic London
Our 79,000 sq ft, seven-story, private hospital on Wigmore Street has 39 en-suite inpatient rooms, consultation and treatment rooms, and a physiotherapy suite.
The hospital has a high-spec imaging suite fully equipped with an MRI, CT scanner and X-ray machine. There are three state-of-the-art operating theatres, two anaesthetic rooms and a recovery bay.
Fortius Clinic London has two Mako robots for hip and knee joint replacements.
- 66 Wigmore Street W1U 2SB
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
- CT Scan
- Imaging guided injections
- Physiotherapy
- MAKO Robotic Joint Replacement
Fortius Clinic City
Our City Clinic is conveniently located between Bank and Monument stations, within the historic and financial heart of London. At our modern, two-floor facility we have nine consulting rooms, spacious waiting areas, well equipped treatment rooms and an imaging centre.
Explore our City Clinic with our virtual tour.
If you are travelling by Tube, our closest underground stations are Bank and Monument, exit 6 for King William Street.
Should you be travelling by car, the closest parking is a three minute drive away at NCP Car Park London Vintry Thames Exchange. If you are attending clinic on a weekday, please be aware that we are based in the congestion charge zone.
- 75 King William Street EC4N 7BE
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- Tendon Clinic
- Sports & Exercise Medicine
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
Fortius Clinic Wimbledon
Our Wimbledon clinic houses a state-of-the-art imaging centre with a 3T MRI and X-ray scanners, Ultrasound, seven consulting rooms, two spacious waiting areas and well equipped treatment rooms all located on one level, ensuring easy accessibility for all patients.
Our partnership with Spire St Anthony’s Hospital allows us to provide orthopaedic surgery closer to our clinic. We treat a full range of conditions and perform joint replacement surgery using the latest Mako robotic assisted technology.
The building at 22 Worple Road has steps leading up to the front entrance. If you require assistance please inform us before your arrival by calling ahead on 020 3195 2442
- 22 Worple Road SW19 4DD
- 0203 195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- Snow Injuries Clinic
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
Fortius Clinic Marylebone
Our Marylebone Clinic is conveniently located in the historic area between Baker Street and Marylebone High Street, just off Manchester Square, home to the iconic Wallace Collection. We have seven consulting rooms, private waiting areas on each floor, well equipped treatment rooms and diagnostic imaging.
- 17 Fitzhardinge StreetW1H 6EQ
- 020 3195 2442
- Outpatient times are Monday to Friday from 8.00am to 8.00pm.
- MRI Scan
- Ultrasound
- X-Ray
- Physician services
- Rheumatology
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