Achilles Tendon Pain (Achillodynia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate Achillodynia (Achilles tendon pain):

Main symptoms

  • Pain (sometimes severe) of the Achilles tendon and/or its gliding tissue (paratenon) when walking or running; two to six centimeters above the calcaneal attachment of the tendon
    • Pain:
      • Occurs in the initial stage load-dependent, in the advanced stage even at rest.
      • Can be localized or diffuse.
      • Can occur with active movement of the foot (toe-off stance) and with passive stretching of the Achilles tendon (heel gait).
    • In the early stages of Achillodynia, there is a start-up pain in the morning as well as at the beginning of athletic performance.In the progressive (progressive) course of the disease, this turns into a continuous pain during exercise. Furthermore, there is a post-load and rest pain.

Secondary symptoms

  • Severe thickening of the Achilles tendon in the distal (lower) portion.
  • Pressure sensitivity
  • Restricted or abolished displaceability of the Achilles tendon against the sliding tissue.
  • If necessary, crepitation sign (rough rubbing noise) during movement of the affected foot.
  • Pointed foot position (gentle posture to relieve the tendon).
  • Inability to walk
  • If necessary, rubor (redness) and calor (heat) of the skin area in the area of the Achilles tendon due to inflammatory processes (inflammatory processes).