What should you know about a TENS unit for Achilles pain?

TENS sends mild electrical impulses through pads placed on the skin. The feeling is usually tingling rather than a deep treatment, and the benefit can vary between people. It may make movement more comfortable while a clinician addresses the reason for pain, such as tendon overload or another ankle problem. Relief does not prove that the Achilles tendon is the source, and it should not be used to test whether activity is safe.

Achilles symptoms can include soreness, stiffness, swelling, or pain during walking and exercise. A sudden snap, a dent in the tendon, or difficulty pushing off needs examination because these features can indicate a significant injury.

Ask a physiotherapist to show you safe pad placement. Pads should not sit directly over broken, infected, or numb skin, and they should not be placed over the tendon without professional guidance. Begin at a low, comfortable setting and follow the prescribed session length. Do not sleep with the unit on, use it in water, or share adhesive pads. Pair symptom relief with the loading, footwear, activity changes, and exercises recommended for your diagnosis.

Avoid using TENS over an implanted electronic device or without advice when sensation is reduced. Mention pregnancy, seizure history, and skin allergies before treatment.

Get prompt medical care after a pop or snap, sudden loss of push-off strength, inability to stand on tiptoe, marked swelling, or a visible change in the tendon. Urgent assessment is also needed for a cold or blue foot, spreading redness with fever, or rapidly worsening pain. Stop TENS if it causes burning, a blister, a rash, or symptoms that continue to worsen.

Ask what is causing the Achilles symptoms, whether loading is safe, where pads may be placed, and what exercise progression should accompany pain relief. Clarify when you can return to running, jumping, or sport and which changes require a review.