Easy Achilles tendonitis stretches and other exercises for Pain Relief

If you have pain in the back of the ankle just above the heel, then chances are it is due to Achilles tendinopathy. It affects athletes and non-athletes alike. However, it can be managed conservatively by following simple Achilles tendonitis stretches.

The sufferer often complains of discomfort after walking a distance. Pain increases with step climbing, running, and jumping.

Physiotherapy for Achilles tendonitis is the first line of treatment, which can be used in conjunction with pharmacological and injectable agents. For more chronic cases, surgical approaches are preferred. In this article, we will cover exercises and other conservative methods to cure this problem.

Best Stretches for Achilles Tendonitis Pain Relief

Eccentric exercise is effective in managing Achilles tendonitis. We will come to this exercise; however, there are a few other exercises, such as stretching and strengthening exercises, which are surely going to benefit the sufferer. So, let us start with Achilles tendinitis stretches.

It would be best to take the help of your physical therapist for stretching. Here, I’m going to explain to you the self-stretching. There are two different ways to stretch it, and it is very easy; anyone can learn it and perform it at home.

1. Towel Stretch for Achilles Tendonitis (Seated)

1. For the first exercise, you will need a towel or a bedsheet.
2. Sit in a long sitting position and hold both ends of the towel, and place the middle part over the ball of the toes of the leg to be stretched, as shown in the figure.
3. Now, gently pull the towel towards yourself and bend the ankle passively. Pull it to a point where you feel a gentle pull behind your ankle.
4. Hold this stretched position for 30 seconds, and then let it relax.
5. Repeat this 2 to 3 times in a session.

2. Calf and Achilles Stretch Against a Wall (Standing)

1. In the second way of Achilles tendonitis stretch, you have to stand facing the wall at a distance of one hand.
2. Place your hand on the wall at shoulder level.
3. Now, place your sound side leg closer to the wall and take your affected side leg a little backwards.
4. In this position, lean yourself towards the wall, and while doing so, keep your foot flat on the floor.
5. You would feel a comfortable stretch on your TA.
6. Maintain this position for 30 seconds and then repeat it 2 to 3 times in a session.

Achilles Tendon Strengthening Exercises for Recovery

1. Ankle flexion-extension: It is also done in the long string position. In the sitting position, perform ankle flexion and extension as many times as possible.
2. For eccentric exercise stand on the edge of the step. Now raise yourself to the maximum and stand on your toes. Now, slowly lower yourself to the end range of ankle dorsiflexion.
3. Perform this exercise for two to three sets of 10–20 repetitions, once daily, seven days per week.

What is Achilles Tendonitis? Causes and Symptoms

Achilles Tendonitis is the pain in the Achilles tendon that presents just behind the ankle. It is a degenerative, not an inflammatory, condition. Most patients respond to conservative measures if the condition is recognised early².

Tendo Achilles is the largest and strongest tendon of the human body, connecting the Calf muscle and the calcaneum bone of the ankle. It is present on the back side of the lower leg just above the ankle.

Excessive loading of the tendon during vigorous training activities is regarded as the main cause of this tendinopathy. When the Achilles tendon is repetitively subjected to excessive overload, it responds by either inflammation of its sheath or degeneration of its body, or by a combination of the two.

Achilles tendinopathy has been attributed to various intrinsic and extrinsic factors. The Intrinsic factors include disabilities like tight Tendo Achilles, Hamstring tightness, Genu valgum, Tibial torsion and Hallux valgus.

External causes or Extrinsic factors include activities that involve excessive jumping and running, dancing, cycling, trauma/ injury, and gastrocsoleous muscle weakness/inefficiency.

All these factors cause excessive stress on the tendon, leading to microtrauma and pain.

Achilles Tendonitis signs and symptoms

1. Pain during running, prolonged jumping.
2. Strenuous activity/athletic activity on hilly surfaces.
3. Inability to participate in athletic activities.
4. As it progresses further, one complains of pain & stiffness, resolving with movement and activities.
5. Restriction of Dorsi Flexion of the Ankle.  
6. Localised nodule/ swelling.
7. Strong resisted plantar flexion is painful.

Additional Home Treatment Tips for Achilles Tendinopathy

Footwear modification: Sometimes, appropriate footwear modification is done. Footwear modification includes a Flexible sole, Heel rise by 2-3 mm Rigid heel counter to maintain the verticality of the calcaneus.

Keep Reading: What causes achilles tendon calcification causes? Its physiotherapy treatment

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Achilles Tendonitis

Sunit. S. Ekka

The author is a physiotherapist who has been practising for the last 17 years. He holds a Bachelor's in Physiotherapy (BPT) from SVNIRTAR (Swami Vivekananda National Institute of Rehabilitation and Research), one of the prestigious physiotherapy schools in India.

Whatever he learns dealing with his patient, he shares it with the world through blogs and e-books. He also owns a YouTube channel, "Sunit Physiotherapist" with over 8 lakh active subscribers. Here, he shares everything he gets to learn serving the patient.