Achilles tendinitis is a very common cause of posterior heel pain. Nonetheless,’it may not be the only cause of pain. Other possible causes would include retrocalcanea bursitis, paratenonitis, or sometimes a Haglund’s deformity/ Syndrome.
Treatment is based on the correct identification of the pathology (history, physical examination, radiological investigations). Subsequently, treatment can vary.
Anti-inflammatory medication are usually a first line option. It would be good to start on some physiotherapy as well, as one of the main causes could be a tight gastrocnemius/soleues/ Achilles’ tendon complex.
Proper stretching & strengthening would aid in the recovery. Radiofrequency or ultrasound treatment may also be done by the physiotherapist.
If all these conservative management methods fail, surgery may be then indicated. And surgical options vary, from keyhole to open procedures, depending on what the pathology is. It would be useful to seek an opinion from an orthopaedic surgeon. Hope this helps,
Kind regards
Dr Sean Ng
