Achilles tendinopathy in Torremolinos

The tendon needs load, not just rest

Achilles tendinopathy is a change in the tendon caused by a load that exceeds its capacity to adapt. It is very common in runners and in people who suddenly increase their activity, although it also occurs in sedentary people. It typically causes stiffness when you get up, pain at the start of exercise that may “warm up” and ease, and worsening the next day.

We call it tendinopathy rather than tendinitis because, in persistent cases, the problem is not mainly inflammatory but a change in the tendon’s structure and tolerance. We distinguish two locations: the mid-portion, a few centimetres above the heel, and the insertion into the bone, which requires some exercises to be adapted and forced stretching to be avoided.

The treatment with the strongest scientific support is progressive loading exercise: isometrics to calm the pain, slow heavy strength work, and then faster exercises such as hopping and running. Complete rest brings relief but doesn’t restore the tendon’s capacity, so the pain tends to return when you resume activity.

At Centro Ubud we assess the tendon with ultrasound, adjust the plan using a pain-monitoring model that lets you stay active and, when indicated, add shockwave therapy as a complement. We also review factors that affect the tendon, such as footwear, rest, body weight and certain medications.