MUSCLE JOINT BONE / EPPING
Achilles Tendon Physiotherapy in Epping
Pain at the back of the heel or along the Achilles tendon can make the first steps of the day, stairs and running uncomfortable. At Muscle Joint Bone in Epping, physiotherapy assessment helps distinguish a tendon problem from other causes of heel or ankle pain and plan appropriate rehabilitation.
The Achilles connects the calf muscles to the heel and helps you push off when walking, running and jumping. Tendon symptoms can develop gradually, sometimes after a change in training or daily activity. A sudden injury with a snap or loss of push-off needs a different, urgent assessment.
Understanding your tendon symptoms
Your physiotherapist will ask about morning stiffness, pain during and after activity, recent changes in exercise and previous tendon injuries. Your general health and medicines can also be relevant, so bring that information to your appointment.
Assessment may look at the location of pain, ankle movement, walking and calf strength. Pain where the tendon attaches to the heel can require different exercise adjustments from pain farther up the tendon. This is one reason a standard heel-drop routine is not suitable for everyone.
Balancing activity and strengthening
Management commonly involves adjusting aggravating loads while gradually building calf and tendon capacity. Depending on your assessment, a program may include:
- A suitable starting level of calf-strengthening exercise.
- Changes to the amount, frequency or type of running and jumping.
- Alternative activities to maintain fitness where appropriate.
- Advice about footwear and daily activities that provoke symptoms.
- Progression towards faster or more demanding tasks when ready.
The response during exercise and afterwards helps guide adjustments. More pain is not automatically a sign of a better workout, and complete rest is not always the most useful long-term approach. Your clinician can explain how to monitor your own response.
Setting realistic expectations
Tendon rehabilitation often requires consistent work over time. A short period of symptom improvement does not necessarily mean the tendon is ready for unrestricted sport. We can review calf strength, walking tolerance and the activities you want to resume, then adjust your program.
If the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms worsen or progress is limited, further medical assessment may be appropriate. Treatment cannot guarantee a particular recovery date.
Could it be a rupture?
Seek urgent medical assessment for a sudden snap or popping sensation at the back of the ankle, especially with difficulty pushing off, climbing stairs or standing on tiptoe. Pain may lessen even when a significant injury is present. Do not test it repeatedly or start a strengthening program before assessment.
Plan your next step
Read about ankle injuries, view our physiotherapy services, or contact the Epping clinic to discuss an appointment.
Book physiotherapy online or call 03 9088 8228. Browse other condition guides.