ACHILLES TENDON PAIN TREATMENT IN GREENVILLE, SC
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Nelson, DC, MHRD, ATC, chiropractor and certified athletic trainer · Last updated November 2026
Achilles tendinopathy, often called Achilles tendonitis, is irritation of the large tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel, causing pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle or where the tendon meets the heel bone. It's common in runners, court-sport players and people who are on their feet. At Carolina Active Health Chiropractic in downtown Greenville, SC, we calm the tendon and rebuild its strength so you can keep moving.
An Achilles exercise our doctors often use. Check with your provider before starting new exercises.
Get medical care right away if you have:
- a sudden pop or the feeling of being kicked in the back of the ankle, especially if you can't push off or rise onto your toes (a possible Achilles rupture),
- calf pain and swelling, especially after travel or surgery,
- a hot, red, swollen ankle or fever, or
- Achilles pain that started after taking a fluoroquinolone antibiotic (such as ciprofloxacin or levofloxacin). Contact your prescriber.
Common Achilles symptoms
- Pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle, often worst with the first steps in the morning
- Pain that eases as you warm up, then returns after activity
- Pain where the tendon attaches to the heel (insertional Achilles pain)
- A tender or thickened area in the tendon
- Pain with hills, stairs, jumping or rising onto your toes
What causes Achilles tendon pain?
Achilles problems usually build up when the tendon is loaded more than it's ready for: a quick increase in running mileage, speed work or hills, a new sport, a change in shoes, or more time on your feet. Calf weakness, stiffness in the ankle and age-related tendon changes also play a role.
How we treat Achilles tendinopathy
We start with a thorough exam of the foot, ankle, calf and hip, including strength testing and, for runners, a look at your training. We take X-rays in our office when they're clinically indicated, and if a tear or rupture is suspected we coordinate imaging or an orthopedic referral. Depending on what we find, your plan may include:
- a progressive tendon-loading program, from isometrics to heel raises to hopping,
- shockwave therapy or laser therapy when clinically appropriate,
- soft-tissue therapy such as Active Release Technique or dry needling for the calf,
- taping or a temporary heel lift when helpful, and
- a plan for running and training load so you can stay active while you recover.
Achilles FAQs
Can I keep running with Achilles tendinopathy?
Often, yes, with changes. Many runners can keep running at a reduced load while they strengthen the tendon. We'll help you set limits for pain, distance, speed and hills, and a plan to build back up.
Should I stretch my Achilles?
It depends on where it hurts. For pain at the heel attachment, stretching the calf off the edge of a step can aggravate it. For most Achilles problems, progressive strengthening matters more than stretching.
How is Achilles pain different from plantar fasciitis?
Achilles pain is at the back of the ankle or heel, while plantar fasciitis causes pain on the bottom of the heel. They can happen together, and both often relate to calf strength and training load.
How do I know if I ruptured my Achilles?
A rupture usually happens suddenly, often with a pop or the feeling of being kicked, followed by trouble pushing off or rising onto your toes. If that happens, get medical care right away.
Do shoes or heel lifts help?
A small heel lift or a change in shoes can reduce load on the tendon in the short term, especially for pain at the heel attachment. We'll tell you whether it makes sense for you.
Related reading
- Running form
- Those feet were made for walking, not pain
- How does kinesiology tape work?
- Plantar fasciitis treatment
General information only, not a diagnosis. Individual results vary. Carolina Active Health Chiropractic · 800 E Washington St, Ste B, Greenville, SC.
