Achilles tendon pain or Achilles tendinitis is a painful inflammation of the tendon that joins the calf muscles to the heel bone. Although not as severe as an Achilles tendon tear, this painful condition may cause patients to limp or even require the use of crutches.
Relieving Achilles tendon pain means reducing pain and swelling. Treatment options include rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE); calf exercises and stretching; steroid injections; and the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Patients can also achieve leg pain relief by taking precautions to prevent Achilles tendon pain. Buying new running shoes, inserting arch supports, and reducing hill running are some strategies that athletes use to cope with Achilles tendon pain.