The Movement Doctors are the Upstate’s Achilles Tendonitis experts
If you’re dealing with Achilles tendinitis, you might feel pain at the base of your calf, especially when pushing off during a walk. Without proper treatment, this pain is likely to worsen. At TMD, we’re your trusted partner in recovery, helping you get back to competing with strength and confidence.
Up to 31% of athletes with Achilles Tendonitis will suffer reinjury or recurrent symptoms - but it doesn’t have to be that way.
Achilles tendinitis often stems from underlying biomechanical issues, such as improper foot mechanics or muscle imbalances. If these root causes aren’t properly addressed, the likelihood of reinjury skyrockets. Our personalized treatment plans go beyond symptom relief, resolving these underlying issues to restore full strength and flexibility.
Achilles Tendonitis Frequently Asked Questions
- What causes Achilles tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is typically caused by repetitive stress or overuse of the Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Common causes include activities like running, jumping, and other high-impact sports that put strain on the tendon. Other contributing factors include tight calf muscles, improper footwear, sudden increases in physical activity, and biomechanical issues such as flat feet or high arches. Age-related degeneration of the tendon can also make it more susceptible to injury, especially in people over 30 who engage in strenuous activities.
- What is the recovery time for Achilles tendinitis?
The recovery time for Achilles tendinitis can vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment approach. Mild cases of Achilles tendinitis may resolve in 4 to 6 weeks with rest, physical therapy, and proper footwear adjustments. Moderate to severe cases, especially those involving significant inflammation or tendon degeneration, can take several months to fully heal. In some instances, if conservative treatments don’t provide relief, recovery may take longer, particularly if surgical intervention is required. Following a personalized treatment plan and rehabilitation exercises are critical for a faster recovery.
- What are the best shoes for Achilles tendinitis?
In general, the best shoes for Achilles tendinitis offer ample support, cushioning, and proper heel elevation to reduce strain on the Achilles tendon. Ultimatley the best shoes are custom orthotics or insoles built for your unique foot. These can be helpful for addressing specific biomechanical issues like overpronation or flat feet, which often contribute to Achilles tendinitis. The Movement Doctors is proud to offer advanced custom-orthotics services.
- What is the difference between insertional and non-insertional Achilles tendinitis?
Insertional Achilles tendinitis affects the lower part of the Achilles tendon, where it attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus), while non-insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs higher up, in the middle portion of the tendon. Insertional Achilles tendinitis often involves bone spurs and can cause pain at the back of the heel, whereas non-insertional tendinitis typically causes swelling, stiffness, and pain in the tendon itself, above the heel. Both conditions can result from overuse, but insertional Achilles tendinitis is more common in older, less active individuals or those who have experienced long-term degeneration of the tendon.
- What are good stretches and exercises for achilles tendonitis?
The best solution for achilles tendonitis is finding the root cause and addressing it with targeted exercises. If you can’t come in for an evaluation or you want to get started immediately, we've created a home guide designed for athletes and active adults to help alleviate achilles tendonitis.
Our Mission
Our mission to empower those for whom movement is a way of life.
We are the architects of comebacks, and the engineers of success. The experts who have seen this before, and the partners that finally solve the problem. We are the attendants to champions, and the heralds of victory. We are… The Movement Doctors.
How We Work
Part art, part science - our work combines cutting edge techniques with hard-won insights to ensure our clients leave the recovery process stronger than ever.
Here For You
For athletes and active adults, physical therapy isn’t just about relieving pain. It’s about getting back on the path to achieving your goals. We act as partners on that journey, with a program tailored to your unique mind, body, and story.
A Bespoke Experience
With a boutique, personalized experience - you’ll feel the care and intentionality of our team from our first conversation to our final session.
