5 Telltale Signs of Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the Achilles tendon, a band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bones and playing an essential role in walking, becomes inflamed due to injury or wear and tear.

The condition affects people from all backgrounds, but it’s especially common in athletes, impacting nearly 25% of those who participate in sports. Though painful, catching the problem early can help reduce the risk of long-term complications and further tendon damage. But many patients don’t know how to spot the signs.

At Prime Foot and Ankle Care, with offices in South Brunswick, North Brunswick, Kendall Park, Franklin Park, Princeton, and Plainsboro, New Jersey, podiatrist Nrupa Shah, DPM, offers comprehensive Achilles tendonitis care. Here, she highlights five telltale symptoms of Achilles tendonitis, so you can get treated promptly.

1. Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel

One of the first signs of Achilles tendonitis is pain or stiffness at the back of the heel that extends into the calves. Both issues are typically worse in the morning or after periods of rest. Some patients notice that pain and stiffness improve during warmups or light exercise, but then worsen again as movement intensity increases.

2. Pain that worsens with activity

Some overuse injuries, such as plantar fasciitis, improve with exercise. However, that isn’t always the case with Achilles tendonitis. Heel and calf pain typically worsens with movement, especially during activities like walking and running. 

Even if your symptoms subside for a while, you may notice them flare up when climbing stairs or walking up hills, due to increased stress on the tendon.

3. Swelling or thickening of the tendon

Another common symptom of Achilles tendonitis is swelling. While severity varies from patient to patient, it’s typically noticeable with simple visual observation. You may also notice that your tendon feels abnormally thick or is warm or sensitive to touch.

4. Limited ankle mobility

As Achilles tendonitis worsens, it can restrict your calf muscles, which are essential for ankle mobility. Without prompt diagnosis and treatment, these changes can affect the way you walk and cause you to place excess pressure on other joints, such as your hips and knees. These issues can further impact mobility and increase the risk of other injuries.

5. Pain when touching or squeezing the tendon

Does your Achilles tendon feel painful or achy when your shoes rub against it? Have you noticed that even gently pressing on it with your fingers leads to discomfort? If so, don’t wait to get screened for Achilles tendonitis, especially if your symptoms don’t improve with rest.

Request an Achilles tendonitis screening

If you’re experiencing any of these five telltale signs of Achilles tendonitis, contact us today about undergoing an evaluation. The sooner you receive a diagnosis, the less likely you are to have lasting damage. Call the Prime Foot and Ankle Care office at 732-798-6150, or request an appointment online.