What are the symptoms of achilles tendinitis?

Pain may be felt a short distance above the heel or where the tendon attaches to it. Stiffness can be more noticeable after rest or when taking the first steps in the morning. The area may feel tender to touch, and the tendon can look or feel thicker than the other side. Running, jumping, hill walking, or repeated calf loading may increase symptoms. Achilles tendinitis is different from a sudden rupture, which often causes abrupt pain and difficulty pushing off.

Reduce running, jumping, and other movements that sharply increase pain, while keeping comfortable everyday movement. Supportive footwear may help. A clinician or physiotherapist can assess calf strength, ankle movement, tendon tenderness, and training load, then guide progressive strengthening. Custom orthotics or shockwave therapy may be discussed for selected cases rather than used automatically.

Seek urgent assessment if pain starts suddenly with a pop, bruising, marked swelling, or an inability to push off or stand on tiptoe. These features can indicate an Achilles tendon rupture. Arrange a routine review when symptoms persist, recur, or limit walking and exercise despite reducing aggravating activity.

Where along my tendon is the irritation located? Which exercises are appropriate now, and how should I increase them? Could my footwear, training load, or ankle movement be contributing? What would distinguish tendinitis from a rupture?