21/10/2025
Achilles pain when you run, walk or first get out of bed?
Hereâs a clear, physioâled guide to calm it down and build it back up â safely and sensibly.
What it is
⢠Most âAchilles tendonitisâ is actually Achilles tendinopathy: the tendonâs load tolerance drops, so normal activity starts to irritate it.
⢠Common signs: morning stiffness; pain on the first steps; eases with gentle movement, then flares after longer or faster sessions.
⢠Two common patterns: midâportion (a few cm above the heel) vs insertional (right on the heel bone).
What usually helps (evidenceâbased basics)
⢠Relative rest, not total rest: keep moving, but reduce hills, sprints, and sudden spikes for a few weeks.
⢠Isometrics for pain relief: stand on the affected leg, hold a comfortable calf raise at midâheight for 30â45s Ă 4â5 holds, 1â2 times/day.
⢠Progressive calf loading: start with bentâknee (soleus) calf raises, then add straightâknee, then controlled eccentrics; build reps â load â speed.
⢠Wholeâchain tuneâup: hips/glutes strength, ankle mobility, and good trainers matter.
⢠Be kind to insertional pain: keep heels slightly elevated at first; avoid aggressive endârange dorsiflexion stretching into sharp pain.
When to get help urgently
⢠A sudden âpopâ, marked swelling/bruising and unable to push off â seek urgent assessment.
How we help at J&J Therapy (New Malden)
⢠HCPCâregistered physio assessment, clear diagnosis, and a graded loading plan you can follow.
⢠Handsâon care (Korean manual therapy), exercise rehab, and Shockwave (Radial) when appropriate â all under one roof.
⢠Options to support recovery: therapeutic ultrasound/TENS, sports massage, gait & training advice.
⢠200+ â
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Book: jjtherapy365.com | Call/WhatsApp: 07882 943540
Kind note: This is general information, not personal medical advice. Outcomes vary with the individual. If symptoms persist or worsen, please book in with a clinician or speak to your GP.