What you may feel
- Pain behind or just above the heel along the Achilles tendon.
- Stiffness occurs with the first steps after sleep or rest.
- Running, jumping or rising onto tiptoes may aggravate pain.
- The tendon may feel thickened, swollen or tender to touch.
- Pain may ease early in activity but return after loading.
How it is assessed
Assessment identifies the painful area, strength and recent load changes. A sudden snapping sensation may indicate a rupture.
Explain how far you can walk, which footwear you use and which movements hurt. Mention recent injury or changes in activity.
Approaches to care
Care includes load management and progressive strengthening. A sudden pop with inability to push off needs urgent assessment.
Discuss realistic walking, work or exercise goals with your clinician. At follow-up, describe changes after activity and how long pain lasted.
When to seek urgent help
A sudden snap or a feeling of being struck in the calf, with difficulty walking or pushing onto the toes, may indicate tendon rupture. Seek urgent assessment.
Further reading: Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.