Heel pain can make every step uncomfortable, but the source of that pain isn’t always the bottom of your heel. Achilles tendonitis can cause pain and tightness at the back of the heel, and understanding where that discomfort is coming from is an important first step toward treating it properly.
The Achilles tendon runs down the back of the lower leg and attaches to the heel. When it becomes tight or irritated, it can affect not only how your heel feels, but also the way you walk.
Achilles Tendonitis: Why Does the Achilles Get Tight?
According to Dr. Po Raval, Achilles tightness can develop for several reasons.
You may naturally have a shorter Achilles tendon, develop tightness after an injury or sports activity, or simply become tighter over time without adequate stretching.
Your plantar fascia can also play a role. When the arch is tight, the Achilles tendon may begin compensating for it. This is why evaluating the entire foot and lower leg is important instead of focusing only on the spot that hurts.
One clue Dr. Raval looks for is a bouncing-type gait. When the Achilles is tight, you may naturally want to lift your heel sooner as you walk rather than moving smoothly through your entire foot.
Why You Shouldn’t Ignore Achilles Pain
A chronically tight Achilles can continue pulling where it attaches to the heel. Over time, Dr. Raval explains that this can contribute to inflammation and bursitis around the heel.
That’s why simply waiting for the pain to disappear may not address the underlying problem.
How Is Achilles Tendonitis Treated?
Treatment depends on what is actually causing the tightness.
If there is significant pinpoint pain and inflammation, Dr. Raval may first address the inflammation before beginning a stretching program. Stretching an already irritated area too aggressively can make symptoms worse.
From there, treatment may include:
- Addressing tightness in the plantar fascia
- Using an orthotic or supportive insole to provide additional lift
- Following a targeted stretching program
- Physical therapy when tightness involves the calves, hamstrings, arch, or other areas
- Using Archmaker at night to help address tightness while the body is at rest
The goal is not simply to make the heel stop hurting. It’s to identify why the Achilles tendon is tight and address the mechanics contributing to the problem.
If heel pain keeps coming back, it may be time to look beyond the heel itself.
Visit Archmaker.net to learn more about Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, foot health, and better movement.
