Achilles Tendonitis Self Treatment Tips
Achilles tendonitis presents as pain in the Achilles tendon or the back of the heel. It is not a problem you should treat casually nor should it be treated only by a home remedy. Left untreated or inadequately treated it can lead to permanent damage to the tendon. So our first suggestion is to go see your podiatrist as soon as possible.
While you are waiting to get professional treatment, however, there are some home treatments for Achilles tendonitis you can do to reduce harm to the tendon and relieve some of the pain.
The products below are the products we recommend to our patients (and our families) and they are also affiliate links so we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you if your order from the link.
Try this 10-Step Achilles Relief Plan for 3 weeks. If you are not better, see a podiatrist.
 |
1. Use a Silipos Achilles Heel Guard to protect the tendon from pressure and friction in shoes. It is the only product which protects these areas without slipping. It is composed of a comfortable elastic sleeve, with a long lasting gel cushion designed to absorb pressure and friction. Washable. |
 |
2. Use a night splint at night to prevent tightening of the tendon while you are in bed and help eliminate pain in the morning. The Ossur Night Splint is our favorite for Achilles problems as it includes cushion for the tendon itself. |
 |
3. For the first two weeks, wear a walking boot to reduce tension on the tendon. Walking boots dramatically reduce tension on the tendon. The Ossur Air Walker allows you to pump air into the walker to make it more secure. The Tall Ossur Air Walker works better because it more effectively reduces tension on the Achilles tendon, but those under 5’4” may be more comfortable in the Short Ossur Air Walker. |
 |
4. Use heel lifts in your shoes to reduce tension on the tendon. Use the lifts in both shoes even if only one tendon hurts. You want the lift the same on both sides to avoid knee or hip pain. We use these adjustable heel cups. |
 FootChair Adjustable Arch Orthotic |
5. Use an arch support in your shoes. By stopping the heel from rolling in as much, arch supports decrease tension on the Achilles. A very stable arch support is necessary and we recommend the FootChair Podiatrist Designed Orthotic with adjustable arch height.
FootChair Orthotics have a supportive arch that is far superior to most other OTC supports as the arch height can be adjusted via pads that can be inserted under the cover. Only a custom orthotic is likely to work better. |
 |
6. Ice the tendon 3 times per day, 10 minutes each session. You can use an ice bag or an Foot – Ankle Therapy Wrap. A lot of our patients like the Active Wrap as it wraps in place and you can walk around while icing. Unlike typical all–purpose ice packs, this Wrap is specifically designed for the unique curvatures of foot and ankle. While many ice packs freeze solid, Active Wrap packs stay soft and flexible when cold so they mold comfortably in place. |
 |
7. Use Biofreeze Gel to reduce pain at times you cannot ice. |
 |
8. Stretch your Achilles tendon once per day. This ProStretch improves the quality of the stretch. |
 |
9. Use a stable walking shoe with a firm heel. You can find shoes on our recommended shoe list. The stability prevents the heel from rolling in (pronating). When that occurs, the arch flattens and the bones on top of the foot are compressed together. One of our favorites is the Orthofeet Shoes for Women and Orthofeet Shoes for Men |
 |
10. Use a “U” shaped felt pad to help reduce pressure of the boney prominence/enlargement. Apply to foot or shoe. We recommend Dr. Jills Felt “U”-shaped Callus Pads. |
Start your treatment right away with the self treatments of Achilles tendonitis listed above.
Regardless, see your podiatrist right away before the tendon is permanently damaged. If you are in the Seattle area, you can make an appointment to see us in our office. Call today for an evaluation in our convenient Seattle office.
