Achilles Tendon Pain: What It Is and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

Achilles Tendon Pain: What It Is and Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

If you’ve ever felt a sharp or nagging pain at the back of your ankle — especially when walking, running, or climbing stairs — you may be dealing with Achilles tendon pain. And while it might be tempting to power through it or just rest, ignoring this type of pain can turn a small problem into a major setback.

At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Greer, SC, we often treat active adults, athletes, and weekend warriors suffering from Achilles issues. The good news? With the right care, you can recover and get back to doing what you love — without long-term damage.

💡 What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and plays a critical role in walking, running, and jumping.

But despite its strength, the Achilles tendon is vulnerable to overuse and strain — especially in people who are active or whose jobs involve a lot of standing and movement.

⚠️ Common Causes of Achilles Tendon Pain

Pain in the Achilles area often stems from two main issues:

1. Achilles Tendonitis – Inflammation of the tendon due to overuse, poor footwear, tight calf muscles, or sudden increases in activity.

2. Achilles Tendinosis – Chronic degeneration of the tendon fibers due to repetitive stress without enough healing time.

Other causes can include:

• A sudden increase in physical activity

• Improper warm-up or stretching

• Tight or weak calf muscles

• Poor foot mechanics or flat feet

• Wearing unsupportive shoes

🚨 Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Achilles Pain

Achilles pain is your body’s warning signal — not something to brush off. If left untreated, it can lead to:

• Partial or full tendon tears

• Chronic inflammation and thickening of the tendon

• Difficulty walking or bearing weight

• Longer recovery times or surgery

The earlier you seek treatment, the better your chances of a full, pain-free recovery.

👣 Symptoms to Watch For

• Pain or stiffness in the back of the ankle

• Swelling or tenderness along the tendon

• Pain that worsens with activity

• Morning stiffness that eases with movement

• A popping sound or feeling (a sign of a tear — seek care immediately)

🏥 How Bodyworks Physical Therapy Can Help

At Bodyworks Physical Therapy, we take a personalized, hands-on approach to healing Achilles tendon pain. Your treatment plan may include:

• Manual therapy to reduce stiffness and promote healing

• Strengthening exercises for the calf, foot, and ankle

• Stretching routines to increase mobility and reduce tension

• Gait and movement analysis to correct biomechanical issues

• Return-to-activity guidance to prevent reinjury

Our goal is to not only relieve your pain but also treat the root cause so you can stay active, strong, and injury-free.

✅ Ready to Start Healing?

Don’t wait for your Achilles pain to get worse. At Bodyworks Physical Therapy in Greer, SC, we’re here to help you move better, feel better, and get back on your feet — for good.

📞 Call us today or book your evaluation online to take the first step toward lasting relief.