The Achilles tendon is the thickest tendon in the body. It joins the calf muscles to the heel bone and is used with every step.
Pain at the back of the heel
When the pain is where the tendon meets the heel bone, it is called insertional Achilles tendinopathy. It is often linked to a bony prominence at the back of the heel (Haglund deformity), where shoes rub and the tendon becomes irritated. Pain is worse with hard-backed shoes and after activity.
Treatment
- Calf stretching and a structured strengthening programme, heel lifts and softer shoes.
- Shockwave therapy or other measures in selected cases.
- Surgery when months of treatment have not worked: the damaged part of the tendon is cleaned, the bump is trimmed and, if needed, the tendon is reattached and reinforced.
Achilles tendon injuries
A sudden pop with a feeling of being kicked in the back of the heel, and difficulty pushing off, may mean the tendon has torn. This needs prompt assessment. Treatment may be a boot or a repair, including minimally invasive (percutaneous) techniques that use very small incisions and aim to reduce wound problems while allowing early movement.
The information on this website is for health education and does not replace a medical examination or direct consultation.
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