Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that can make walking, running, jumping and even standing uncomfortable. It often develops gradually and can become persistent if not managed appropriately.

At Port Melbourne Physiotherapy & Pilates, our physiotherapists provide thorough assessment and evidence-based treatment for Achilles tendinopathy to help reduce pain, restore strength and get you back to your normal activities with confidence. Our approach focuses on identifying the contributing factors behind your symptoms while building the strength and capacity of the tendon for long-term recovery.

What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and plays an important role in walking, running and jumping activities. Achilles tendinopathy occurs when the tendon becomes irritated and unable to tolerate the loads being placed through it.

Rather than being a simple inflammatory condition, Achilles tendinopathy is usually related to tendon overload and changes within the tendon structure over time.

It commonly develops due to:

• Sudden increases in running or exercise volume
• Changes in training intensity
• Reduced calf strength
• Poor recovery between activities
• Footwear changes
• Tight calf muscles
• Repetitive jumping or running activities

There are two main types of Achilles tendinopathy:

• Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy – pain located in the middle section of the tendon
• Insertional Achilles tendinopathy – pain where the tendon attaches to the heel bone

Common Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy

Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:

• Pain or stiffness in the Achilles tendon
• Morning stiffness when first walking
• Pain during or after running and exercise
• Tenderness when touching the tendon
• Thickening of the tendon
• Pain when going up stairs or walking uphill
• Reduced calf strength or endurance
• Difficulty with jumping or pushing off

Many people notice symptoms are worse after periods of inactivity or following increased exercise loads.

Our Assessment Process

Your physiotherapy assessment focuses on identifying the severity of your tendon irritation and the factors contributing to overload.

During your assessment, your physiotherapist may evaluate:

• Your history of symptoms and activity levels
• Training loads and exercise habits
• Calf strength and endurance
• Walking and running mechanics
• Foot and ankle mobility
• Balance and lower limb control
• Footwear and training surfaces
• Previous injuries or tendon issues

We also assess surrounding joints and muscles to determine whether movement patterns, strength deficits or biomechanical factors may be contributing to excessive tendon stress. This allows us to develop an individualised management plan tailored to your goals and activity levels.

Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy

Treatment is based on improving the tendon’s ability to tolerate load while reducing irritation and improving lower limb function.

Your treatment plan may include:

Load Management

One of the most important aspects of treatment is appropriately managing tendon load.

Your physiotherapist may guide you with:

• Temporary modification of aggravating activities
• Running and exercise adjustments
• Gradual return-to-sport planning
• Advice regarding footwear and training loads

Complete rest is rarely recommended, as tendons generally respond best to progressive loading.

Strength & Rehabilitation Exercises

Progressive strengthening is a key part of Achilles tendinopathy rehabilitation.

Your exercise program may include:

• Calf strengthening exercises
• Heavy slow resistance training
• Isometric loading exercises
• Plyometric and return-to-running drills
• Balance and stability exercises
• Lower limb strengthening

Exercises are progressed gradually based on your symptoms and functional goals.

Hands-On Physiotherapy

Manual therapy may help improve movement and reduce surrounding muscle tightness.

Treatment may include:

• Soft tissue massage
• Joint mobilisation
• Calf muscle release techniques
• Dry needling where appropriate

Running & Biomechanical Assessment

For runners and active individuals, we may assess running technique, movement patterns and lower limb mechanics to help reduce excessive tendon loading and support a safe return to activity.

Achilles tendinopathy responds best to a structured rehabilitation program that progressively improves tendon capacity and lower limb strength. At Port Melbourne Physiotherapy & Pilates, we provide personalised physiotherapy treatment designed to help reduce pain, improve function and support your return to walking, running, sport and exercise safely.