Quick Summary
Pain and stiffness in the Achilles tendon often need a progressive strengthening plan. Assessment distinguishes midportion, insertional and acute tendon injuries before treatment. Our physiotherapists in New Malden can assess your symptoms and help you choose appropriate next steps for your goals. We agree practical goals and review your progress.
Understanding Achilles Tendinopathy
Achilles tendinopathy is persistent load-related pain in the tendon linking the calf muscles to the heel. Midportion symptoms occur above the heel; insertional symptoms occur at its attachment. These presentations can need different loading and stretching choices. A sudden rupture is a separate injury needing urgent assessment.
Assessment at J&J Therapy
We assess symptom location, calf strength, walking and training demands. Your plan uses practical measures such as heel-raise capacity and next-day response. A sudden snap, loss of push-off or new marked weakness needs urgent assessment for rupture.
Do You Experience These Symptoms?
- Morning stiffness or pain after resting.
- Pain during or after walking, running or calf raises.
- Tenderness or thickening along the tendon or at the heel attachment.
An assessment helps guide your next step, based on your symptoms, health and goals.
Why symptoms may develop
A change in running, jumping or walking demands can contribute, alongside health and medication factors. Tendon pain is not always simply inflammation. We ask about recent medicines and medical conditions when they could influence tendon health or recovery.
Treatment and rehabilitation options
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Soft tissue work or suitable joint mobilisation may help associated stiffness and comfort. It is an adjunct to strengthening, not a way to break down a damaged tendon. For insertional pain we avoid excessive compression or stretching into aggravating positions.
Is Shockwave Suitable?
Radial shockwave may be considered for selected persistent cases after assessment. NICE describes limited, inconsistent efficacy evidence and requires special arrangements for governance, consent and audit or research. It is not guaranteed and does not replace rehabilitation; focused-shockwave results cannot automatically be applied to radial treatment.
Targeted Exercise Programme
Progressive calf strengthening is central, with load and range adapted to your symptoms. Insertional pain may initially need a smaller movement range. We plan a gradual return to hills, running or jumping, monitoring function and response rather than prescribing complete rest or a fixed session count.
When to Seek Urgent Medical Help
While most symptoms are not serious, urgent medical attention is required if you experience any of the following:
- Seek urgent same-day assessment for a sudden snap, a gap in the tendon or new inability to push off or rise onto your toes after injury.
- New one-sided calf swelling, warmth or unexplained pain needs urgent GP or NHS 111 assessment.
- Call 999 for sudden breathlessness, chest pain or collapse, whether or not the leg is swollen.
Your questions answered
Should I do heel drops off a step?
Not automatically. Deep heel drops may aggravate insertional symptoms. The exercise range and resistance should match the location, irritability and strength of your tendon.
How is a rupture different?
A sudden pop or feeling of being kicked, followed by difficulty pushing off, may indicate rupture even if pain settles. Seek urgent assessment rather than booking routine tendinopathy treatment.
Which appointment should I book?
Start with a Physiotherapy Initial Assessment for new, persistent or recurring symptoms. We can assess the problem and agree a plan linked to your daily activities. If you have already had medical care or surgery, bring the relevant instructions.
Soft Tissue Therapy may be a supporting option for associated muscle discomfort once the condition has been assessed. It is not a substitute for diagnosis or the rehabilitation needed for the underlying problem.
Book a Physiotherapy Assessment or call our reception team on 07935 869938. Find J&J Therapy at CI Tower, Ground Floor, New Malden.
Related conditions
Calf Strain / Tear · Plantar Fasciitis
Sources and further reading
This page is for general information only and does not replace professional medical advice.
Information updated 15 October 2026. General information only; this page cannot diagnose your symptoms. Treatment is agreed after assessment. For urgent or severe symptoms, use the medical services described above.