Achilles tendinopathy describes a condition in which the tendon that connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus) becomes irritated, resulting in pain and limited function.
Achilles tendinopathy can be subdivided into two categories based on the location of symptoms. These two subdivisions include mid-substance and insertional variations. Pain associated with mid-substance tendinopathy is experienced several centimeters above the heel bone, whereas, insertional pain is experienced at the calcaneus.
The management of both types is very similar where appropriate loading, through the use of calf raises, serves as the intervention of choice. The major difference when implementing the calf raise is that individuals with insertional tendinopathy will initiate calf raises on the ground and only progress to a raised surface (see videos) when tendon irritation has reduced.
If you think you are suffering from an achilles tendon issue and need more help with a rehab program, be sure to checkout our achilles tendinopathy program.