Quick guide
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
This page provides general health information and does not diagnose an individual condition. Persistent, worsening or concerning symptoms should be assessed by an appropriately qualified health professional.
Understanding the problem
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and transmits high forces during walking, running and jumping.
Contributing factors
- Rapid increases in running, jumping or hill work
- Returning after reduced conditioning
- Changes in footwear or training surface
- Reduced calf strength or tendon capacity
- Acute forceful push-off or sudden loading
What can you do?
- Reduce the aggravating load enough to make symptoms manageable rather than automatically resting completely.
- Progressive calf-strengthening and tendon-loading exercise is central for many gradual tendon problems.
- Return to running and jumping gradually.
- Footwear or a temporary heel lift may help selected people.
When not to wait
A sudden snap or pop, rapid loss of push-off strength, a new gap in the tendon, or inability to perform a normal heel raise requires prompt assessment for possible rupture.
A sudden snap or pop, rapid loss of push-off strength, a new gap in the tendon, or inability to perform a normal heel raise requires prompt assessment for possible rupture.
The Footpath Health approach
Footpath Health is designed to help you move from a symptom or question toward an appropriate next step without pretending that an online article can make an individual diagnosis. Sometimes that next step is self-management; sometimes it is podiatry, physiotherapy or GP assessment; and sometimes imaging or specialist care is appropriate.
Still not sure what the right next step is?
Tell Footpath Health what is bothering you and we can help guide you towards the most appropriate type of healthcare professional.
Start the Footpath Health assessment →