Move without pain
Book an assessment todayPain and stiffness at the back of the heel or lower calf — common in runners and after a jump in activity. We diagnose whether it's mid-tendon or insertional, then load it back to full strength.
Where Achilles tendinopathy is felt
Back of the heel, above the bone. Pain and stiffness where the Achilles tendon runs, common in runners and after a jump in activity.
Does this sound like you?
The Achilles is the strong tendon connecting your calf muscles to your heel bone. Achilles tendinopathy develops when the tendon is repeatedly loaded beyond what it can tolerate, causing pain, stiffness and sometimes thickening. It occurs either in the mid-portion of the tendon or at its insertion into the heel bone — and the two are managed a little differently.
It's especially common in runners, in people who've recently increased their activity, and with tight calves or unsupportive footwear. The good news: tendons respond very well to the right progressive loading.
Because insertional Achilles pain is treated differently (and some stretches can aggravate it), an accurate diagnosis matters.
The right combination of tools for your feet — not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
We confirm whether it's mid-portion or insertional and find what's overloading the tendon.
A graded strengthening program (the cornerstone of recovery) that rebuilds tendon capacity.
A proven option for stubborn or long-standing Achilles pain that hasn't settled.
High-intensity (Class IV) laser for stubborn cases — currently only at Maroochydore. Learn more →
Simple changes that offload the tendon and settle pain while you rebuild.
Where foot mechanics are contributing, orthotics help share the load.
Tendons are slow to remodel. Many people improve noticeably within 6–12 weeks of a consistent loading program, though full recovery of a stubborn tendon can take several months. Sticking with the program is what makes the difference.
Usually yes, in a modified form. Complete rest deconditions the tendon. We adjust your training load and add strengthening rather than stopping altogether, unless the tendon is highly irritable.
Loading (strengthening) matters more than passive stretching, and aggressive stretching can aggravate insertional Achilles pain. We'll guide what's right for your type.
Usually not — it's typically a clinical diagnosis. We refer for imaging if the picture is unclear or we're concerned about other causes.
