Pain at the back of the heel
The Achilles tendon joins the calf muscles to the heel. Tendon-related symptoms may include pain or stiffness during walking, running or after rest. A change in training can be relevant, but other causes need consideration. A sudden sharp pain or snapping sensation can indicate a tear and needs prompt medical assessment.
What an assessment may involve
Describe the exact location, your recent activity and whether symptoms settle or build during exercise. Mention a sudden injury and any difficulty pushing off. Assessment may include walking and calf function where safe; suspected rupture should be assessed medically rather than tested repeatedly at home.
Care and rehabilitation
When a tendon rehabilitation pathway is appropriate, a program often uses progressive loading matched to symptoms and capacity. Exercise choice and range should reflect where the tendon is affected and any medical restrictions. Repeatedly stretching or massaging a painful tendon is not a substitute for assessing the problem.
Building back to activity
Discuss the difference between the walking you need now and the running or sport you want to resume. Agree on a starting workload, how to monitor the response and when to increase it. Recovery time varies; a fixed number of sessions cannot guarantee readiness.
When to seek medical help
Seek prompt medical assessment for a sudden snap or sharp pain, difficulty pushing off or walking after injury, or marked swelling. A hot swollen calf or unexplained shortness of breath needs urgent medical attention; call 000 for an emergency.
Related information
Further reading
General information from Muscle Joint Bone Epping. Your clinician will discuss how it applies to you.