Achilles tendon pain
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. When overloaded, pain and stiffness develop in the tendon, often in the morning or at the start of exercise. Runners and people who walk a lot are frequently affected.
Symptoms and causes
- Pain and stiffness above the heel, especially with the first steps
- A thickened or tender tendon
- Pain that increases on stairs, jumping or running
Causes include increasing load too quickly, tight calves, abnormal foot posture (overpronation) and shoes with little heel support.
How handmade insoles help
A small heel raise temporarily reduces the pull on the tendon, and with abnormal foot posture an insole helps the leg move straight. To be honest: research shows that for mid-portion tendon problems insoles add little to exercise therapy. They are mainly useful when foot posture plays a role – which we assess during the consultation.
What you can do – and when to see a doctor
The main treatment is a progressive calf-strengthening programme (for example with a physiotherapist) and temporarily less jumping and running.
If the pain does not improve after a few weeks, if there is swelling, redness or loss of sensation, or if you have diabetes or rheumatism, also have the complaint assessed by your GP.
Scientific evidence
- For mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy, custom orthoses added little to exercise therapy; insoles are mainly useful with an abnormal foot posture. Munteanu SE, Scott LA, Bonanno DR, et al. Effectiveness of customised foot orthoses for Achilles tendinopathy: a randomised controlled trial. Br J Sports Med. 2015;49:989-994. PubMed 25246441
Trouble with your feet? We are happy to help.
First consultation usually within 1 week, in Oldenzaal, Denekamp or Losser.