Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. It may become painful when the load on the tendon increases especially suddenly. It is commonly seen in runners but can occur in sedentary older population as well. It the older populations it has been associated with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and high cholesterol.

Patients experience pain, swelling and stiffness around back of the heel and is worse when walking or squatting. In some cases pain might be worse on waking up in the morning.

The aim of the treatment is to reduce the stress on the tendon while progressively increasing its capacity to withstand load. Allow yourself a period of rest from activities that increase the pain. Ice can help with the pain and the inflammation.

The doctor/physiotherapist can identify the underlying biomechanical causes of the problem and prescribe exercises to strengthen the calf muscles. Other adjuncts for treatment includes footwear modification, orthotics, electrotherapy, massage and foam rolling.