Posterior Heel pain over the Achilles tendon is a common complaint among active individuals and can stem from various conditions affecting the foot's structure and function. Among these, Achilles tendinitis and insertional Achilles tendinopathy are notable causes of discomfort and reduced mobility. Understanding these conditions is the first step towards effective treatment and recovery.
What is Achilles Tendinitis?
Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury characterized by inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.
What are the Symptoms?
Pain and swelling near the heel
Increased pain after exercise
Stiffness that generally improves with activity
What are the Causes?
Sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of exercise
Poorly fitting footwear
Running on hard or uneven surfaces
What are the Treatments?
Rest and avoid activities that stress the Achilles tendon
Ice the area to reduce pain and swelling
Over-the-counter pain relievers
Physical therapy focusing on stretching and strengthening exercises
Use of corticosteroid injections
Orthotics and heel lifts
What is Ahilles Insertional Tendinopathy?
This condition refers to chronic pain at the insertion point of the Achilles tendon at the heel bone, often accompanied by tendon degeneration.
Symptoms
Pain at the back of the heel
Tenderness at the lower portion of the tendon, especially during activity
Swelling in the heel area
Often presence of a bump on the back of the heel
Causes
Chronic overuse of the Achilles tendon
Mechanical issues such as overpronation or high arches
Age-related wear and tear
Presence of Haglund's deformity and bone spurs
Treatment
Eccentric strengthening exercises
Custom orthotics to correct mechanical imbalances and heel lifts. Learn more about custom orthtoics.
Corticosteroid injections
Surgical Interventions if problems do not resolve with nonsurgical approaches
Advanced Non-Surgical Option
We also offer advanced, non-surgical treatment options designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing response and support long-term relief from heel pain. These therapies are ideal for patients seeking alternatives to surgery, with minimal downtime. To learn more about these innovative solutions and how they may benefit you, please visit our pages on
Radial Shockwave Therapy and Advanced Non-Surgical Options.
Surgical Option
When conservative treatments fail, surgical intervention may be necessary to remove damaged tissue, address bony spurs, and restore function. At Acacia Foot and Ankle Surgeons, we now offer advanced minimally invasive surgical techniques to treat insertional Achilles tendinopathy. These modern procedures minimize tissue disruption, reduce post-operative pain, and promote faster recovery, allowing patients to return to activity with less downtime and improved long-term outcomes.
If you are struggling with Achilles tendon or heel pain, call us today at (623) 439-2200 for a consultation or schedule an appointment online.