Menu
Achilles Tendinopathy in Children
What is Achilles Tendinopathy?
What causes Achilles Tendinopathy?
Pain relief
How do you treat Achilles Tendinopathy?
What is Achilles Tendinopathy?
Pain at the back of the lower leg
Pain at the back of the lower legAchilles tendinopathy is a condition that causes pain, swelling and stiffness at the back of the lower leg. It can be within two distinct parts of the Achilles tendon – at the back of the ankle and just above the heel.
Symptoms tend to be worse when rising from rest, especially in the morning. It is thought to be caused by repeated stress and strain. For most people, the symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy usually clear within 3-6 months of starting treatment.
What causes Achilles Tendinopathy?
Factors that contribute to Achilles Tendinopathy include:
- Overuse
- Inappropriate footwear
- Being overweight
- Large changes in exercising e.g. increased intensity/frequency
- Frequent activities on hard/sloped surfaces
- Poor flexibility e.g. tight calf muscles
- Certain forms of arthritis, such as ankylosing spondylitis or psoriatic arthritis
- People taking antibiotics for long periods (mainly ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin)
Pain relief
t is normal to experience mild pain and some children will require pain relief like Paracetamol or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.
See NHS 111 Wales guidelines here on pain relief.
You can also seek advice from your local pharmacy.
How do you treat Achilles Tendinopathy?
Common treatments include:
- Modification to lifestyle
- Rest, avoid prolonged activity e.g. standing, walking and high impact sports
- Strapping and taping
- Stretching
- Use supportive footwear
- Insoles
- Ice may be useful for pain control and to help reduce swelling
- Preventing sporting injuries and overuse
Insoles may be prescribed by a podiatrist. These only work well with a stable,
supportive shoe.
Gradually wear in your insoles over a period of time. Start off with one hour on the first day and increase by an additional hour each day until worn all day. Check your feet after use for signs of rubbing.
Initial aching is normal as your muscles adapt to the insoles, this should gradually subside with further use.
If you experience redness, blistering or new or increased pain remove the insoles.
A well-fitting shoe, boot or trainer with a robust sole, laces or a strap fastening will give your feet the best support. If your shoe is too flexible then you will not be getting the stability and support your foot needs.
Your footwear should have:
- enough depth and width for your toes
- a top fasten (lace or Velcro)
- a sturdy, robust sole that keeps its shape
Give your shoes a test by flexing and twisting the sole, some bend in the toes is normal when using some force. However the rest of the shoe should remain intact.
Shoes we recommend avoiding are:
- flat shoes
- flexible soles
- slip on shoes
- ballet style pumps
The Healthy Footwear Guide is a website run by UK podiatrists and shoe manufacturers who have identified key features that make up a healthy shoe.
In the early stages the following exercises may prove helpful:
If you have a problem which does not improve as you would expect with self-care, you should contact a healthcare professional for advice. This may be your GP, Pharmacist, NHS Podiatry Service or a Private Podiatrist.
Please make sure your Podiatrist is registered with the Health and Care Professions Council and look out for the letters HCPC after their name.
