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ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY

Care for a sore, stiff Achilles tendon, in Carefree on the Cave Creek border. In most cases we can see you the same day.

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WHAT IS ACHILLES TENDINOPATHY?

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. It can become painful from overuse, often after a sudden increase in walking, hiking, running or court time, a change in shoes, or tight calves. Common signs are stiffness and pain along the tendon in the morning, pain that gets worse with activity or the day after, and swelling or thickening of the tendon.

Improvement often takes a few months, and pain can last longer than three months.

HOW WE HELP

Every visit starts with a conversation and a hands-on exam, and your first treatment usually happens the same day.

Exam firstWe check your low back, hip, knee, ankle, foot, calf and how you walk, and tell you plainly if you need imaging or a referral instead.
Progressive strengthening exercisesSlow, controlled heel drops and other exercises, started with guidance so they are done safely.
Activity guidanceLower-impact options, like cycling or swimming, while the tendon settles.
Soft tissue therapyHands-on work for tight calf muscles.
Shockwave therapyRadial pressure waves delivered to the Achilles tendon, often combined with strengthening exercises, to help reduce pain and increase blood flow to the area. About 15 minutes a session, with no downtime. Self-pay.Learn more →
Clear planWe tell you what to expect and check your progress each visit. As ChiroTrust members, we do not use unnecessary long-term plans.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does Achilles pain take to get better?
Often a few months, and sometimes longer than three months. We check your progress at every visit.
Can I keep walking, hiking or playing pickleball?
Usually with changes. Switching to lower-impact activities for a while gives the tendon a chance to settle. We will help you build back up.
Are heel drops safe to do on my own?
Start them with guidance. Done incorrectly, they can strain the tendon. Some discomfort is expected, but not severe pain.
Is shockwave therapy covered by insurance?
No. Shockwave therapy is a self-pay service. Call us and we will explain the options.
Can I be seen the same day?
In most cases, yes. Call 480-488-1282, or request an appointment online and we will call you back.

REQUEST AN APPOINTMENT

Tell us when works best and we will call you to confirm, usually within one business day. In a hurry? Call 480-488-1282.

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