Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment At The South London Foot Clinic
Achilles tendinopathy is a common overuse injury that causes pain, stiffness, and swelling in the Achilles tendon â the strong cord that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It typically develops gradually and can affect runners, athletes, and anyone who is active or on their feet for extended periods.
How Does Achilles Tendinopathy Start?
Achilles tendinopathy often begins when the tendon is overloaded â either suddenly or over time. Common causes include:
- A sharp increase in physical activity
- Direct trauma or injury
- Inadequate footwear or worn-out shoes
- Tight or weak calf muscles
- Flat feet or high arches
- Poor running or walking biomechanics
- Lack of recovery time or rest
- Previous injury causing weakness or poor biomechanics
These factors place repeated stress on the tendon, leading to microtears and degeneration.
The Importance of an Accurate Diagnosis
Diagnostic Ultrasound Scan
An ultrasound scan is a crucial step in confirming the diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy. It allows our podiatrists to visualise the tendon in real time, identifying:
- Thickening or degeneration of the tendon
- Presence of inflammation or tears
- Tendon structure and blood flow
- Differentiation between mid-portion and insertional tendinopathy
This detailed insight ensures we deliver the most appropriate and effective treatment for your specific condition, and helps rule out other causes of Achilles heel pain such as bursitis or partial ruptures.
Why Gait Analysis Matters
Gait and Biomechanics
How you walk and run can significantly affect tendon loading. Faulty biomechanicsâsuch as overpronation, leg length discrepancies, or poor alignmentâcan put excessive strain on the Achilles tendon.
Our clinic offers advanced gait analysis using pressure plates and motion tracking to assess how your body moves. Identifying and correcting these imbalances is essential in both treating Achilles tendinopathy and preventing recurrence.
How Long Does Achilles Tendinopathy Take to Heal?
Recovery timelines vary depending on severity and how long the symptoms have been present:
- Mild cases may improve in 6â8 weeks
- Moderate to chronic cases may require 3â6 months or more of structured rehabilitation
With a targeted treatment plan and close monitoring, we aim for long-term recoveryânot just symptom relief.
Why Choose The South London Foot Clinic?
The Latest Treatment Technology with Swiss PiezoClastŸ & DolorClastŸ Shockwave Therapy Units
The South London Foot Clinic has invested in the most advanced and reliable shockwave units, providing innovative and effective treatment for tendinopathies and soft tissue injuries such as:
- Plantar Fasciitis
- Achilles tendonitis
- Knee Bursitis
- Retro-calcaneal bursitis
- Patella Tendinopathy
- Hip pain (greater trochanteric bursitis)
Custom Orthotics
Here at SLC we carry out a comprehensive analysis and examination of the way your walk and the biomechanics of your feet. This detailed information is used to prescribe custom orthotics for you. Orthotics look very much like insoles but they are in fact medical devices, a bit like prescription glasses, that help to improve the mechanics of tissues and joints in your feet.
Custom Orthotics will:
- Assist to correct any imbalance whilst promoting the natural movement patterns of your feet.
- Relieve foot pain which puts a strain on other areas of your body.
- Provide longer-lasting, more reliable support than standard orthotics.
- Last much longer than conventional orthotics.
Injection Therapy
Ultrasound-guided injections (such as high volume or corticosteroids) can help reduce inflammation and stimulate tissue repair when other treatments arenât enough.
Exercise & Rehab Programmes
Structured, progressive loading exercises are essential for tendon healing. We guide you through safe and effective rehabilitation tailored to your needs.
Fascial Manipulation
A hands-on therapy technique (STECCO) that targets the connective tissue around the tendon to improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function.
Book Your Achilles Tendon Assessment in South London
Donât let Achilles tendon pain stop you from doing the things you love. Early assessment and targeted treatment are key to a full and lasting recovery.
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Where to find us
Conveniently located in Honor Oak, we have easy transport links nearby, with Honor Oak Park Station on our doorstep.
With FREE PARKING.
Opening Hours:
Here are our opening hours. We look forward to seeing you in the clinic.
| Monday | 09:00 - 16:00 |
| Tuesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Wednesday | 10:00 - 16:00 |
| Thursday | 10:00 - 18:00 |
| Friday | Closed |