Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon.

Achilles Tendonitis/Tendinosis is most often caused by:

• Overuse or repetitive motion during sports, work or other activities.
• Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion, common in activities such as running, basketball, tennis or ballet dancing.
• Poor conditioning or poor warm-up.
• Shoes that do no cushion the heel or support the arch sufficiently.

Symptoms may include:

• Mild or severe pain in the back of the heel, sometimes with swelling.
• Tenderness in the Achilles tendon area, which may be more noticeable in the morning.
• Stiffness that subsides as the tendon warms up with use.
• Decreased strength and movement, or a feeling of sluggishness in the leg.

Treatment may include:

• Rest, avoiding any hard or intense activity for 6 to 12 weeks and until symptoms go away.
• Modification of sports/activities that may have caused the tendinopathy.
• Wearing well-cushioned shoes, heel pads, or orthotics if they help relieve pain.
• Reducing pain by using ice or taking over-the-counter pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories.
• Gentle stretching, daily  and before strenuous activity.
• Physical therapy, including stretching and strengthening exercises, massage, heat or ultrasound.
• Use of  a night brace or walking boot, depending on severity
• Surgery, if pain persists after more than six months of consistent treatment and rest