The Achilles tendon is the thick band that connects your gastrocnemius and soleus (calf muscles) to your heel. These muscles via the Achilles tendon help to point our foot down, or more importantly help us push-off to propel ourselves forward while walking. The tendon can become irritated and inflamed for a multitude of reason, including: increase in daily activity, starting or increasing running program, impaired biomechanics, poor footwear, sporting activities, and more. Because the tendon has stress through it every time we walk, it becomes difficult for healing to take place secondary to the repetitive strain. Physical therapy can help by assessing and identifying the causes for the symptoms, and prescribing the appropriate exercises to speed up recovery time. Our therapists are also trained in advanced manual therapy techniques, that can help with the dysfunction in the muscles surrounding the ankle/foot, as well as the joints that may be contributing to the issues. 

Associated Symptoms:

• Achilles pain
• Swelling in Achilles
• Achilles tendon thickening
• Pain with walking
• Pain in Achilles when pointing foot up
• Ankle stiffness
• Pain in gastrocnemius/soleus (calf muscles)