Achilles Tendinitis

What Is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. This tendon plays an essential role in walking, running, jumping, climbing stairs, and nearly every movement that pushes the foot off the ground.

When the Achilles tendon is repeatedly overloaded or placed under excessive stress, it can become irritated and inflamed. If symptoms persist for an extended period, the tendon may begin to undergo degenerative changes, making it more difficult to heal without appropriate treatment.

Achilles tendinitis can affect both athletes and non-athletes alike. It is especially common among runners, hikers, pickleball and tennis players, basketball players, and individuals who suddenly increase their activity level or spend long periods on their feet.

Because Achilles pain can have several underlying causes, Dr. Charles Boley performs a

comprehensive evaluation to determine the source of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate conservative treatment plan.

Common Symptoms

Patients with Achilles tendinitis often experience:

 Pain along the back of the heel or lower calf.

 Stiffness when taking the first steps in the morning.

 Pain that improves with light movement but worsens with activity.

 Tenderness when touching the tendon.

 Swelling or thickening of the tendon.

 Pain while walking, running, or climbing stairs.

 Tight calf muscles.

 Discomfort after exercise.

 Reduced strength during push-off movements.

Symptoms often begin gradually and may worsen over time if left untreated.

What Causes Achilles Tendinitis?

Several factors may contribute to Achilles tendinitis, including:

 Repetitive running or jumping activities.

 Sudden increases in exercise intensity.

 Tight calf muscles.

 Limited ankle mobility.

 Poor footwear.

 Flat feet or abnormal foot mechanics.

 Hill running or uneven terrain.

 Sports involving frequent sprinting or jumping.

 Previous Achilles injuries.

 Age-related tendon degeneration.

Many patients have multiple contributing factors, making a personalized treatment plan essential.

How StemWave Therapy May Help

StemWave Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses acoustic wave technology to stimulate the body's natural healing response. Depending on the individual's condition and overall health, this therapy may help improve circulation, encourage tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain associated with certain musculoskeletal conditions.

For patients experiencing Achilles tendinitis, StemWave may be incorporated into a comprehensive treatment plan designed to improve tendon health, reduce discomfort, and help restore normal function. Treatment recommendations are always based on each patient's diagnosis, activity level, and recovery goals.

Because Achilles tendinitis varies in severity from person to person, Dr. Charles Boley performs a complete evaluation to determine whether StemWave Therapy may be an appropriate treatment option for your specific condition.