General information
Achilles pain in active adults
Achilles discomfort often shows up as morning stiffness or pain at the back of the heel after running, walking or a busy weekend on the course. A steady, progressive loading program helps most people.
Common causes
- Tendon irritation in the middle of the Achilles
- Pain where the tendon attaches to the heel
- Flares after a jump in mileage, hills or new footwear
Where care usually starts
- Reduce running volume or hills rather than stopping completely
- Progressive calf and tendon loading exercises
- Supportive footwear and a short-term heel lift if helpful
- A gradual, planned return to full activity
If it isn’t improving
- Examination and office ultrasound of the tendon
- Focused shockwave in selected chronic cases
- Orthobiologic options using your own cells, after conservative care has had a fair trial
- Surgery reserved for ruptures or persistent structural problems
Get seen promptly if you notice
- A sudden pop or feeling of being kicked in the heel
- Difficulty pushing off or standing on tiptoe
- Marked swelling, redness or calf pain
For a medical emergency, call 911.
Read more in the free guide, Achilles Tendon Discomfort: General Information, or browse Patient Education and home exercises.
General education only — not medical advice or a diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made together after an examination.