Ankle
Achilles pain that flares with every run needs a loading plan, not rest.
Achilles tendinopathy — pain at the back of the heel or mid-tendon — is the classic overuse injury for runners. Heavy slow resistance loading is the gold-standard treatment, and we deliver it precisely.
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Common symptoms
- —Morning stiffness at the back of the heel that warms up with movement
- —Localised tenderness to palpation on the tendon
- —Pain at the start of a run that eases mid-run but returns after
- —Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Common causes
- —Sudden spike in running volume or intensity
- —Insufficient calf strength relative to training demands
- —Reduced ankle dorsiflexion
- —Transition to minimal footwear or heel drop change
- —Return to activity after a period of rest
How Stance approaches achilles tendinopathy
We prescribe a precisely dosed heavy slow resistance programme based on your current strength level and training volume. We pair this with load management for your running programme and address any contributing biomechanical factors identified via gait analysis.
Relevant services
Pain & Injury Recovery
Assessment-led recovery for musculoskeletal pain — whether it's chronic, recurring, or from a specific incident. We find the root cause and build a targeted, progressive plan.
Running Assessment
A comprehensive running assessment using gait analysis, strength testing, and load evaluation — for runners dealing with injury, performance plateaus, or wanting to train smarter.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to stop running completely?
Rarely. A structured loading programme alongside managed running volume is more effective than complete rest.
Will my Achilles tendon rupture if I keep running?
A tendinopathic tendon is different from a rupture risk. We assess the severity and guide you on appropriate load — complete ruptures in tendinopathy patients who are loading appropriately are rare.
Ready to find the root cause?
Our clinical team uses objective testing to build a personalised plan around your specific needs.
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