A study found Achilles tendinopathy affects 1 to 2% of elite adolescent athletes, while in recreational athletes, the frequency is closer to 9%. For men, especially older men, the risk climbs higher.
Tendon ruptures occur at an overall incidence rate of 2.1 per 100,000 person-years, with a 3.5 to 1 male-to-female ratio. What does all this mean in plain language?
The Achilles tendon is under constant demand. It’s the largest tendon in the body, and every time you walk, run, or push off, the accumulated stress can lead to chronic heel pain, and even rupture if left untreated.
That’s why treating Achilles tendinopathy matters. At The Disc Chiropractic, we use proven therapies to calm tendon pain and protect the tendon from further injury.
What Is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinopathy is different from short-term “tendinitis.” Tendinitis is inflammation that comes on quickly after a strain or a spike in activity. Tendinopathy is when the tendon fibers on your legs begin to break down and lose strength.
The Achilles tendon is formed by the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles. As it descends, the tendon actually twists about 90 degrees before attaching into the heel bone. This unique structure means certain fibers take on more stress than others, especially in the middle portion of the tendon.
In cases that occur at the heel (insertional tendinopathy), imaging often shows thickening of the tendon, loss of healthy collagen fibers, and even small blood vessel growth where it doesn’t belong.
The symptoms that patients typically notice include:
- Pain at the back of the heel or just above it
- Stiffness in the morning that improves after some movement
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
- Weakness when pushing off or trying to jump
Common Causes We See in Wheat Ridge, CO
Achilles tendinopathy often develops from a mix of structural changes, overuse, and underlying joint conditions. These are the causes I most often see in my patients here in Wheat Ridge.
Pes Planus (Flat Feet)
Flat feet change the way force travels through the ankle and tendon. When the arch drops, the heel tilts inward and the tendon is pulled off its natural line. Over time, the constant inward pull can lead to tendon thickening and degeneration.
Bursitis
Behind the Achilles tendon is a small fluid-filled sac called the retrocalcaneal bursa. Its job is to reduce friction between the tendon and the heel bone. When it becomes inflamed it will often press on the achilles tendon itself.
Osteoarthritis
Degeneration of the ankle or subtalar joints can not only change how the foot and leg moves but also slows down how it heals as well. As this cartilage wears down, the Achilles tendon has to take on more load to stabilize movement in the added starts to create micro-tears in the tendon fibers.
Sports Injuries
Movements common in sports like sprinting, jumping, or sudden lunges or changes in direction often put a lot of stress on the Achilles, and over time it creates small tears in the tendon fibers that gradually leads to chronic pain and stiffness.
How We Treat Achilles Tendinopathy at The Disc Chiropractic
When I treat Achilles tendinopathy, my goal is to calm pain while restoring the tendon’s ability to handle stress again. At The Disc Chiropractic, we use advanced technology and specific rehab strategies that go beyond simple rest and stretching.
Shockwave Therapy
For shockwave therapy, I use the Intelect® RPW 2 shockwave system. This device sends controlled acoustic pulses into the tendon. These pulses break down calcified scar tissues, and activate a natural healing response in the damaged fibers.
Soft Tissue Therapy
Another key step is freeing up the muscles and connective tissue that surround the tendon. I use the Rapid Release™ Pro 3+, a high-frequency vibration tool, to release adhesions and help improve how the tendon glides during movement.
Therapeutic Exercise
The final piece is maintaining the tendon post treatment . I teach patients calf exercises, stability drills, and progressive loading movements. These exercises strengthens and slowly remodel the tendon fibers so they can withstand force again.
FAQs About Achilles Tendinopathy
What is the difference between Achilles tendinitis and tendinopathy?
Achilles tendinitis is short-term inflammation after a sudden activity increase and usually improves with rest. Achilles tendinopathy involves degenerative changes to the tendon itself, either by making it thicker or slower to heal, leading to chronic heel pain.
Can Achilles tendinopathy resolve without treatment?
Mild cases of achilles tendinopathy may settle with rest and reduced activity, but it typically persists. Without the right treatment the tendon fibers continue to weaken, thus increasing the risk of a full rupture.
How long does recovery usually take with care?
Achilles tendinopathy doesn’t usually follow a quick timeline. Mild cases may improve within 6–12 weeks if load is reduced and rehab is started early.
Which activities make Achilles pain worse?
Running, sprinting, jumping, and climbing stairs often increase stress on the tendon. Even prolonged standing or walking on hard surfaces can aggravate the pain. That’s why modifying activities during treatment is just as important as the therapies themselves.
When should I see a chiropractor instead of just resting or stretching?
If the pain has lasted more than a couple of weeks, or if it limits your ability to walk, train, or work, it’s time to be evaluated. A proper exam can pinpoint whether the tendon is inflamed, degenerating, or already at risk of rupture.
Take the First Step Against Achilles Tendinopathy
I have spent years helping patients with stubborn tendon conditions, including Achilles tendinopathy, plantar fasciitis, and other lower-limb injuries. What we do here is never one-size-fits-all.
If you are ready for real answers instead of assumptions, and want a plan that is clear, focused, and backed by science, I would be honored to help you take the next step.
Book your $97 First Visit today — includes a detailed consultation, full spinal and nerve evaluations, X-rays and the Doctor’s findings. Call: 720-573-4910