Achillodynia

Achillodynia refers to pain in the area of the Achilles tendon, the strongest tendon in the body. It connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Causes

• overload, e.g. from running or a sudden increase in training
• shortened calf muscles
• foot deformities such as a flexible flatfoot or high-arched foot
• pressure from hard heel counters – see Haglund’s deformity

Signs

• start-up pain in the morning or after sitting
• tenderness and sometimes a palpable thickening of the tendon
• pain when climbing stairs or running

What helps?

Rest, eccentric calf training (with instruction), a heel raise and shoes without a pressing heel counter. The diagnosis is made by a doctor; sudden, whip-like pain should be checked immediately (suspected tendon rupture).