Achilles tendon inflammation and home treatment
The Achilles tendon, our body's strongest yet most vulnerable tendon, deserves special attention because it plays a key role in everyday movement. This massive connective tissue structure connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, enabling walking, running and jumping. However, precisely this constant demand makes it particularly prone to inflammation and injury.
Background of Achilles tendon inflammation
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon usually does not appear overnight but develops gradually due to overuse. The most common trigger is a sudden increase in physical activity, especially if it is not accompanied by proper preparation and gradual progression. It is particularly common among runners who raise their training intensity or distance too quickly or who train on harder surfaces than usual. Changes in job requirements — such as suddenly switching to work that requires much more standing or walking — can also initiate inflammation.
Biomechanical factors also play a significant role. Excessive foot pronation (rolling inward) during walking or running places extra stress on the tendon. Choosing inappropriate footwear, especially shoes with poor support or overly stiff soles, can also contribute to the problem.
With age, tendon elasticity and regenerative capacity decrease, increasing the risk of inflammation. Middle-aged men who exercise regularly are particularly at risk. Certain anatomical features, such as flat feet or ankle collapse, can also raise the likelihood of inflammation.
Types and presentations
There are two main types of Achilles tendon inflammation. The first affects the mid-portion of the tendon, typically 2–6 centimeters above the heel bone. The second type occurs at the tendon’s insertion point directly beside/behind the heel bone. The two forms present different symptoms and require different treatment approaches.
Mid-portion inflammation often occurs in runners and athletes who suddenly increase their training load. This form usually responds better to conservative treatment. Insertional inflammation, however, is often stubborn and requires longer treatment because blood supply to this area is poorer.
Treatment options
The number of clinic treatments is limited, usually to 5–10 sessions. In most cases this is not enough for full recovery. Treatments started at the clinic should be continued at home — now with home medical devices.
Product recommendation for tendon inflammation treatment
Tendon inflammation most commonly affects tendons exposed to high loads (wrist area, knee, Achilles). Repetitive, monotonous muscle movements can cause tendon and/or tendon sheath inflammation, which results in pain during movement.
There are several effective treatment methods. As you receive a combination of methods in the clinic, you should continue in the same way at home.
Softlaser treatment is particularly effective in the early stages of inflammation. The laser light penetrates tissues, stimulating cellular metabolism and natural healing processes. The treatment is completely painless and free of side effects.
For Achilles tendon inflammation I recommend the Personal Laser L400 device.
Therapeutic ultrasound is also an excellent option. Ultrasound acts through mechanical vibrations that reach deeper tissue layers. The treatment improves blood circulation, reduces inflammation and promotes regeneration of damaged tissues. It is especially effective in chronic cases.
Click here to find ultrasound devices
The M-Sonic 950 device may be a suitable choice for Achilles tendon inflammation.
Interference therapy uses two currents of different frequencies that interact in the tissues to exert their healing effect. This method is excellent for pain relief and stimulating tissue regeneration. The treatment feels pleasant, with a tingling sensation.
Click here to find devices that provide interferential therapy
The UniPro or Genesy 1500 devices provide interferential therapy.
Microcurrent treatment (MENS) applies extremely low-intensity electrical impulses. This treatment is particularly effective in enhancing cellular energy production and supporting natural healing processes. During the treatment you will practically feel nothing.
Click here to find microcurrent therapy devices
For Achilles tendon inflammation choose one of the UniPro, Runner Pro, Cycling Pro or Soccer Pro devices.
Magnet therapy and Bemer treatments work by improving circulation. The pulsed magnetic field enhances microcirculation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the injured area. This is particularly important for the Achilles tendon, since its blood supply is naturally limited.
Among magnet therapy devices I recommend the Magnum 2500 and Magnum XL devices, while for Bemer the Bemer Basic Set Evo base model or any Premium model is suitable.
Lifestyle changes and preventive measures
Shaping your lifestyle appropriately is key for healing and prevention. First, review your training load. Instead of “too much, too fast,” follow the principle of gradual progression. Increase training intensity and duration slowly, by about 10% per week.
Choosing the right shoes is also essential. Pick footwear that provides proper support for the heel and arch. Shoes should not be too stiff but must offer sufficient stabilization. If needed, custom-made insoles may be recommended.
Incorporating regular stretching and mobility exercises into your daily routine is likewise crucial. Stretch the calf and Achilles tendon both before and after workouts. Always stretch gently and gradually, avoiding sudden, forceful movements.
Alternating cold and heat therapy can also be useful. In the acute stage of inflammation, icing helps reduce swelling and pain. Later, heat treatment can improve circulation and relax muscles. Apply treatments for 15–20 minutes, several times a day.
Special massage techniques and self-massage tools such as foam rollers or massage balls can also be effective. They help release tension in the calf and surrounding muscles, improving the functional environment of the Achilles tendon.
It can be helpful after training to use recovery protocols that flush out metabolites that cause muscle stiffness. All sport stimulator devices include such programs. Click here to find them.
Rehabilitation and return to sport
You must return to sport gradually during recovery. Initially favor low-impact activities such as swimming or cycling. These allow cardiovascular training without excessive loading of the Achilles tendon.
Pay attention to your body's signals as you gradually increase the load. The appearance of pain is always a warning sign — reduce the load then. Start strengthening exercises first in isometric (static) form, then gradually progress to dynamic exercises.
Adequate recovery time between training sessions is essential for full recovery and to avoid relapse. On rest days, continue stretching and mobility exercises but avoid strenuous activities.
Nutritional aspects and complementary therapies
Proper nutrition also plays a role in supporting the healing process. Increasing collagen and protein intake may aid tendon regeneration. Anti-inflammatory foods (low or no carbohydrate content), as well as incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into the diet, can also be beneficial.
Proper hydration is also key for tendon health. Increase your daily fluid intake, especially around training sessions. It is advisable to moderate caffeine and alcohol consumption as they can have dehydrating effects.
As complementary therapies, acupuncture and kinesio tape can also be useful. Acupuncture may help reduce pain and stimulate healing processes, while kinesio tape provides support to the tendon and improves circulation in the area.
With proper treatment and patience, Achilles tendon inflammation is generally a well-treatable condition. Early recognition and a comprehensive treatment approach are key. Modern therapeutic options, lifestyle changes and appropriate rehabilitation together provide the best chances for recovery.
For long-term prognosis, preventing relapse is crucial. This requires identifying and eliminating triggering factors and integrating preventive measures into everyday routines. Regular stretching, appropriate strengthening exercises and gradual load progression help maintain tendon health in the long run.
My recommendation for athletes
If you exercise regularly, are over 30 and have Achilles problems, I recommend getting one of these sport stimulators: Premium 400, Triathlon Pro, Runner Pro, Cycling Pro, Soccer Pro or The Champion. Any of these is good because they provide everything you need.
It is worth applying several different treatments, even one after the other.
Pain relief and elimination of inflammation
- Select the Medical Treatments / Microcurrent / Achilles tendon inflammation treatment program on your device.
- Use the gray cable that came with your device. Apply the electrodes as shown on the right.
- This program is 20 minutes long; in the first 10 minutes it delivers pain-relieving impulses, the second phase aims to eliminate inflammation.
- You will not feel the treatment (because it is microcurrent).
- Apply it 3–4 times daily.
Warm-up before every activity
- MANDATORY! Before every training session, run the SPORT / Warm-up program on your calf. If you don't exercise, it is still useful because it improves blood flow to muscle and tendon. Do it every morning.
- Use the colored cables. Place the electrodes as shown in the left image.
- The program lasts 10 minutes and you will feel twitches in your calf.
- If you have time or want a stronger effect, choose the SPORT / Pre-competition warm-up program.
- That one is 20 minutes and warms you up more thoroughly.
- Do not start training without warm-up programs! This is important because lack of warm-up led to your complaints in the first place.
Recovery after every activity
- STRONGLY recommended after every training/movement!
- Metabolites build up during exercise. These must be removed. On inflamed areas this is very difficult, so if after training you just collapse into the tub with already overloaded and inflamed legs, these metabolites remain and further worsen the inflammation.
- Within 90 minutes after training, start the SPORT / Active recovery or SPORT / Post-competition recovery program on your calf.
- Use the colored cables.
- Apply the electrodes as shown in the left image – do not put them on sweaty or dirty skin because that will quickly ruin them. Clean yourself and apply them only to dry skin.
- Both programs last 20 minutes and you will feel twitches in your calf.
- The post-competition version works deeper into the muscles.
Microcurrent treatment brings "frozen" and non-functioning tissues out of their inert state; they start producing ATP (energy) and thereby your body's own healing processes begin. These will heal you and your complaints will disappear. Not instantly… a months-long inflammation does not resolve in 1–2 days; rather, prepare for 8–12 weeks, because that is typically needed for such an old complaint. Also understand that it is not the electrical impulse itself that heals, but the natural processes it initiates and supports. If you don't treat it, your recovery will take considerably longer.
