By Dr. Ben Pearl | Arlington Foot & Ankle

📍 1715 North George Mason Dr #407, Arlington, VA 22205

📞 (703) 516-9408 | 🌐 arlingtonfootandankle.com

The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon in the human body—but that doesn’t mean it’s immune to injury. In fact, Achilles tendinitis is one of the most common causes of heel and lower leg pain, particularly among runners, athletes, and active individuals. Whether you’re hitting the trails in Arlington or just trying to keep up with a daily walking routine, pain in your Achilles tendon can make every step uncomfortable.

At Arlington Foot & Ankle, we help patients understand the source of their discomfort and offer advanced, customized treatments for Achilles tendinitis. If you’re dealing with tightness, swelling, or burning pain at the back of your leg, now is the time to address it—before it becomes more serious.

What Is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury that occurs when the Achilles tendon—the thick cord that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone—becomes inflamed or irritated. It’s usually the result of repetitive stress or a sudden increase in physical activity. Left untreated, it can lead to microtears, chronic inflammation, or even a tendon rupture.

There are two main types:

• Non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, which affects the middle portion of the tendon and is more common in younger, active individuals.
• Insertional Achilles tendinitis, which affects the point where the tendon attaches to the heel bone and can also involve bone spurs, especially in older or less active patients.

Common Causes of Achilles Tendinitis

While anyone can develop Achilles tendinitis, certain factors increase your risk. These include:

• A sudden increase in running or walking distance
• Poorly supportive or worn-out shoes
• Tight calf muscles or limited ankle mobility
• Flat feet or overpronation
• Uphill running or stair climbing
• Inadequate warm-up or stretching
• Previous foot or ankle injuries

Even non-athletes can develop Achilles tendinitis, especially those who stand for long periods, walk on hard surfaces, or have biomechanical imbalances.

Symptoms to Watch For

Achilles tendinitis often starts with a mild ache or stiffness in the back of the heel, especially after exercise or in the morning. As the condition progresses, pain can become more persistent and intense. You may experience:

• Pain and stiffness along the Achilles tendon, especially in the morning
• Swelling, tenderness, or warmth near the heel
• Limited range of motion in the ankle
• A creaking or cracking sensation during ankle movement
• Increased discomfort after activity or long periods of standing

If you notice sudden, severe pain or a “popping” sound, it could be a tendon rupture, which is a medical emergency.

How Dr. Ben Pearl Diagnoses Achilles Tendinitis

At Arlington Foot & Ankle, Dr. Pearl begins with a thorough physical examination, checking for signs of tenderness, swelling, and limited mobility. Depending on your symptoms, he may recommend ultrasound imaging to assess the extent of inflammation or tissue damage. Diagnostic tools like digital X-rays may also be used to check for bone spurs or related issues.

Dr. Pearl’s goal is to get a full picture of your condition—not just to treat the symptoms, but to correct the underlying problem and prevent recurrence.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options That Work

Most cases of Achilles tendinitis can be treated successfully without surgery. Dr. Pearl takes a multi-disciplinary approach using the latest non-invasive technologies alongside traditional therapies to get you back on your feet.

Common treatment options include:

• Rest and Activity Modification: Reducing strain on the tendon by temporarily avoiding high-impact activity.
• Custom Orthotics: Devices designed to improve foot alignment and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
• Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises to promote healing and prevent stiffness.
• Shockwave Therapy (ESWT): Acoustic wave therapy that stimulates blood flow and cellular repair in chronic cases.
• Class IV Laser Therapy: A high-powered light treatment that reduces inflammation, accelerates tissue healing, and provides pain relief.
• Night Splints or Heel Lifts: Designed to gently stretch the tendon overnight or reduce strain during daily activity.
• Anti-inflammatory support: Depending on the case, topical or oral anti-inflammatory options may be recommended.
• Achilles Stabilization: We use a variety of protective sleeves and braces to stabilize the achilles

For patients who do not respond to conservative treatment, Dr. Pearl may explore regenerative therapies like Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections or discuss surgical intervention in rare, advanced cases.

Preventing Achilles Tendinitis from Returning

After recovery, it’s important to avoid falling back into habits that may have contributed to the problem. Dr. Pearl helps patients build a plan for long-term tendon health, which may include:

• Gradually increasing exercise intensity
• Regular stretching of the calves and hamstrings
• Wearing supportive, activity-appropriate footwear
• Using orthotics as needed for proper foot mechanics
• Incorporating cross-training to reduce repetitive stress

By addressing the mechanical causes and supporting the tendon through smart habits, most patients can return to full activity without pain—and stay there.

When to See a Podiatrist

If you’re experiencing heel or calf pain that doesn’t go away with rest, it’s time to see a specialist. The earlier you treat Achilles tendinitis, the more effectively it can be managed without long-term consequences. Dr. Pearl provides patients in Arlington and the surrounding communities with advanced care that blends experience, technology, and compassion.

Arlington Foot & Ankle

1715 North George Mason Dr #407, Arlington, VA 22205

(703) 516-9408

arlingtonfootandankle.com