# Achilles tendon pain

> Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon? Read about causes, what you can do yourself and when an insole or heel raise helps.

Canonical: https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/foot-complaints/achilles-tendon/

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.


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Podologie Benerink v.o.f. is a family-run podiatry practice in the Netherlands (Chamber of Commerce 60168757) that has been making expertly handmade podiatric insoles, children’s insoles, work insoles and orthoses since 1998. Registered podiatrist Willeke Benerink, podiatrist Wim Benerink and Elke Benerink (sports and wellbeing). Affiliated with the LOOP foundation; registered healthcare provider. Languages: Dutch, English, German.

## Contact
- Phone: (+31) 06 - 103 425 74 (+31610342574)
- Email: info@podologiebenerink.nl
- Contact: https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/contact/
- Address: Brinkstraat 6A, 7591 DP Denekamp, Netherlands

## Locations and practice days
- Oldenzaal: KroeseWevers kantoor, De Matenstraat 47, 7572 BV Oldenzaal – Every other Wednesday (https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/locations/oldenzaal/)
- Denekamp: Brinkstraat 6A, 7591 DP Denekamp – Every other Wednesday and every Saturday (https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/locations/denekamp/)
- Losser: Carint Losser, Lutterstraat 2a, 7581 BV Losser – Every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month (https://www.podologiebenerink.nl/en/locations/losser/)
- Germany (on-site visits): Nordhorn, Neuenhaus, Lingen

## Prices
- Adults, first pair: € 230 (includes: Consultation € 60, 1 pair of insoles € 170, Follow-up check within the first 6 months)
- Children up to 16, first pair: € 220 (includes: Consultation € 60, 1 pair of insoles € 160, Follow-up check within the first 6 months)
- Second pair (adults and children): € 150
- Certified work insoles: € 250 (includes: Consultation € 60, 1 pair of insoles € 190, Follow-up check within the first 6 months)
- Repair of therapeutic insoles: € 40
- Orthoses: from € 30
- Medical taping: € 30
- Consultation and examination: € 60
- Check-up after 6 months: € 30