Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment in Burlington: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Options
- Folarin Babatunde PT PhD
- Oct 8, 2024
- 5 min read
Cogent Rehab Blog
Folarin Babatunde PT PhD MScSEM MScPT BScPT
October 8, 2024
Achilles tendinopathy is a common cause of heel pain in Burlington, often linked to overuse, sports, or age-related changes. Symptoms include stiffness, swelling, and pain along the tendon. At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center, our physiotherapists provide evidence-based treatment — from exercises to shockwave therapy — to restore strength, mobility, and long-term relief.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and one of the most frequently injured. In fact, it accounts for nearly 20% of all tendon injuries. Whether from degenerative wear-and-tear or traumatic overload, Achilles tendinopathy can cause persistent pain and significantly limit daily activities like walking, running, or climbing stairs.
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists specialize in the assessment and treatment of Achilles tendon pain, helping patients recover mobility and return to the activities they love.
Anatomy and Function of the Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). This powerful tendon allows you to walk, run, jump, tiptoe, and climb stairs. Because of its high workload — bearing forces up to 5–7 times your body weight per stride — it is especially vulnerable to injury.
Who Gets Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy (AT) can affect anyone, but is most common in:
Runners (6–10% prevalence at any time)
Athletes in jumping and sprinting sports (soccer, basketball, football)
Adults aged 40–59, especially those increasing activity levels
People with underlying conditions such as diabetes, inflammatory arthritis, or poor flexibility
Both men and women are equally at risk, and about 1 in 3 people experience tendon pain in both heels.
Runners and athletes in jumping sports are especially at risk, making sports injury physiotherapy for running and jumping injuries an important part of both treatment and prevention.
Causes of Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is an overuse injury caused by repetitive stress on the tendon.
🔹 Extrinsic (External) Factors
Sudden increase in running mileage or training intensity
Hill running or sprint sessions
Cold weather training
Repetitive jumping, cutting, or direction changes in sports
🔹 Intrinsic (Internal) Factors
Diabetes or metabolic conditions
Arthritis or inflammatory joint disease
High BMI or age-related changes
Foot alignment issues (flat feet, high arches, ankle instability)
Previous tendon injuries or fractures
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinopathy
Typical signs include:
Persistent heel or tendon pain that worsens with activity
Morning stiffness or pain when standing after rest
Swelling and thickening along the tendon
Tenderness 2–6 cm above the heel
Heel pain when wearing shoes or after intense exercise
If you’re struggling with heel or tendon pain, don’t wait — book an appointment with a Burlington physiotherapist and begin your recovery today.
How Is Achilles Tendinopathy Diagnosed?
At our Burlington physiotherapy clinic, diagnosis is based on:
Patient history and activity changes
Pain with tendon palpation or loading (heel raises, hopping)
Morning stiffness and “warm-up” pain patterns
Functional outcome measures like the VISA-A questionnaire
Imaging (e.g., ultrasound or MRI) is sometimes used for chronic or complex cases but is not always necessary, as structural changes can occur even in people without pain.
Conditions That Mimic Achilles Tendinopathy
Other causes of heel pain may include:
Retrocalcaneal bursitis
Achilles tendon rupture
Plantar fasciitis
Calcaneal stress fracture
Posterior ankle impingement
Nerve entrapments
Haglund deformity
Treatment Options for Achilles Tendinopathy
Management depends on the severity and chronicity of the condition.
Conservative Physiotherapy Treatments
Activity modification to reduce tendon load
Eccentric loading and stretching exercises to improve tendon strength
Shockwave therapy (ESWT) for pain reduction and tendon healing
Manual therapy and mobility exercises
Footwear advice and orthotic support
Education on training load and gradual return to sport
Evidence shows eccentric exercises can reduce pain by up to 40%, and shockwave therapy improves pain by 60% with 80% patient satisfaction.
Most patients recover well with orthopaedic physiotherapy in Burlington, where targeted exercises and manual therapy are used to strengthen the Achilles tendon and restore mobility.
Surgical Options
For 10–30% of patients with severe or chronic Achilles tendinopathy who do not improve after six months of physiotherapy, surgical interventions such as tendon debridement, gastrocnemius lengthening, or tendon transfer may be considered.
Post-Operative Physiotherapy
After surgery, patients typically undergo a period of immobilization (3–8 weeks) with a cast, boot, or splint. Physiotherapist-led rehabilitation includes:
Gradual weight-bearing
Range-of-motion exercises
Strengthening programs
Progressive return to walking, running, and sport
How Physiotherapy at Cogent Rehab Can Help
At Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, our physiotherapists use evidence-based approaches to treat Achilles tendinopathy. We provide:
Comprehensive assessment of tendon pain and risk factors
Customized exercise programs to restore strength and flexibility
Shockwave therapy for tendon healing
Patient education on training loads, footwear, and prevention
Post-surgical rehab for safe return to sport and daily activities
Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles Tendinopathy
1. What is the fastest way to heal Achilles tendinopathy?
The fastest recovery comes from early physiotherapy intervention. Eccentric loading exercises, shockwave therapy, and activity modification are proven to reduce pain and promote tendon healing. Avoiding complete rest is important — a gradual, guided rehab plan works best.
2. How long does Achilles tendinopathy take to heal?
Recovery time depends on severity and how long symptoms have been present. Mild cases may improve in 6–12 weeks, while chronic tendinopathy can take 3–6 months or longer. With consistent orthopaedic physiotherapy in Burlington, most patients regain function and return to normal activity.
3. Do I need surgery for Achilles tendon pain?
Surgery is usually a last resort, reserved for 10–30% of patients who do not improve with physiotherapy after 6 months. The vast majority of people respond well to conservative care such as long-term tendon pain management.
4. Can physiotherapy really help Achilles tendinopathy?
Yes — physiotherapy is the first-line treatment. At Cogent Rehab in Burlington, we use eccentric exercise programs, manual therapy, myofascial release, and education to reduce pain, restore tendon strength, and prevent recurrence. For athletes, sports movement analysis and running assessment as part of a sports injury physiotherapy treatment program for running and jumping injuries helps with safe return to training.
5. Should I get an MRI or ultrasound for Achilles tendon pain?
Imaging is not always required. Many people without pain still show tendon changes on scans. Physiotherapists usually diagnose Achilles tendinopathy through clinical examination. Imaging is considered only if symptoms persist or another condition is suspected.
6. What are the symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy?
Typical signs include heel pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and tenderness 2–6 cm above the heel. Pain often worsens with running, walking, or climbing stairs and may improve after warming up.
7. Where can I get Achilles tendinopathy treatment in Burlington?
You can book a consultation at Cogent Physical Rehabilitation Center in Burlington, where our physiotherapists specialize in Achilles tendon pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehab.
Get Relief from Achilles Tendon Pain in Burlington
If you are struggling with Achilles tendon pain, early treatment is key to recovery. At Cogent Rehab, our physiotherapists are here to help you Rebuild – Promote – Enhance your recovery.
👉 Book an Appointment Today and start your path toward pain-free movement.
Sources
Malliaras P. Physiotherapy management of Achilles tendinopath. J Physio, 2022;68:221-237.
Medina Pabón MA, Naqvi U. Achilles Tendinopathy. [Updated 2023 Aug 17]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024.
Scott, A, et al. Icon 2019: international scientific tendinopathy symposium consensus: clinical terminology Brit J Sports Med, 2020;54:260-262
Silbernagel K.G and Crossley K.M. A proposed return-to-sport program for patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy: rationale and implementation J Orthop Sports Phys Ther, 2015;45:876-886.
Vo TP, Ho GWK, Andrea J. Achilles Tendinopathy, A Brief Review and Update of Current Literature. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2021;20(9):453-461.
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