What to expect from physiotherapy for Achilles tendinitis

Your physiotherapist reviews where the tendon hurts, how symptoms respond to walking or running, ankle movement, calf strength, footwear, and training changes. The tendon is not treated by complete rest alone in every case. The plan usually reduces aggravating load while maintaining suitable movement, then rebuilds the tendon’s ability to handle standing, stairs, hopping, or running.

Home work may begin with comfortable calf contractions and controlled heel raises, then progress through stronger calf loading and activity-specific drills. Keep a record of which activities increase symptoms and whether they settle by the next day. Supportive footwear or a temporary change in hills, speed, or training volume may help. Do not increase several demands at once; let your therapist adjust the next step when pain, stiffness, or strength changes.

Seek urgent assessment for a sudden popping sensation, a visible gap in the tendon, or an abrupt inability to push off or stand on the toes. Contact your clinician if swelling, redness, warmth, or pain is progressively increasing rather than settling with the plan.

Ask whether your symptoms fit Achilles tendinitis or another problem, which activities are safe now, how to judge exercise response, and what must improve before running or jumping.