Achilles Tendon Pain
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Try one of these related symptoms.
Back of foot pain
Pain in the lower calf
Pain in the back of the foot
About the Symptom
It describes the painful sensation over the back of the leg near the heel along the course of the Achilles tendon, which may be pressing, sharp, burning or dull.
When to See a Doctor
Seek professional care if you experience any of the following symptoms
- Pain at the back of ankle
Possible Causes
Generally, Achilles tendon pain can be related to:
- Psoriatic Arthritis
Psoriatic Arthritis is an inflammatory joint condition associated with the skin disorder Psoriasis, which causes red, scaly patches on the skin. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness are typical signs of Psoriatic Arthritis.
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
Ankylosing spondylitis is an chronic inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints in your spine. Although the cause is unknown, certain genetic factors are believed to be involved.
Doctor's Diagnostic Questions
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this symptom:
- Do you have Achilles tendon pain?
Reviewed By:
Kent C Doan, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr Doan Graduated from the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and completed residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at the University of Colorado. He completed additional fellowship training in Orthopedic Sports Medicine at the prestigious Steadman Clinic and Steadman Philippon Research Institute in Vail, Colorado. He is a practicing Orthopedic Surgeon who specializes in complex and revision knee and shoulder surgery at the Kansas City Orthopedic Institute. He also holds an assistant professorship at the University of Kansas City.
Tomohiro Hamahata, MD (Orthopedics)
Dr. Hamahata graduated from the Jikei University of Medical Science. After working at Asanokawa General Hospital and Kosei Chuo Hospital, he joined the Department of Orthopedics at Asakusa Hospital in April 2021, specializing in general orthopedics and joint replacement surgery.
Content updated on Feb 6, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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- Pain in the back of the ankle
- Pain in the Achilles tendon
- Achilles tendon pain
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FAQs
Q.
Knee pain? Why your Baker’s cyst is swelling and medical next steps
A.
A Baker’s cyst swells because the knee is inflamed, most often from osteoarthritis, a meniscus tear, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, or gout, and it can cause tightness or pain behind the knee or even rupture and mimic a blood clot that needs urgent care. Next steps focus on treating the root problem with NSAIDs, physical therapy, injections, and selective drainage while surgery is rare, and clinicians may use ultrasound or MRI to guide care; there are several factors to consider, so see below for complete details that could change which actions you take and when.
References:
* Zoga AC, Dines JS. Baker's Cyst: What a Radiologist Should Know. Semin Musculoskelet Radiol. 2022 Aug;26(4):460-471. doi: 10.1055/s-0042-1750244. Epub 2022 Aug 4. PMID: 35926715.
* Naranje S, Kumar V, Marwaha V, Rao K, Rangarajan M. The Baker's Cyst: Its Anatomy, Its Function, and Its Clinical Significance-A Review. Clin Anat. 2023 Mar;36(2):227-236. doi: 10.1002/ca.23977. Epub 2023 Jan 20. PMID: 36675971.
* Herman AM, Marzo JM. Baker's cyst: A narrative review of its etiology, manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment. J Clin Orthop Trauma. 2019 Jan-Feb;10(1):154-158. doi: 10.1016/j.jcot.2018.10.006. Epub 2018 Oct 24. PMID: 30378122.
* Park H, Lee YK, Lee S, Kim Y, Choo JY, Kim KH. Pathophysiology and Management of Baker's Cyst: A Current Review. J Orthop. 2021 May 2;24:19-24. doi: 10.1016/j.jor.2021.04.030. eCollection 2021 May-Jun. PMID: 33947472.
* Levy DM, Noble J, Logan AJ, Smith R. Baker's cysts: their origin and management. Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2015 Jul;23(7):2013-20. doi: 10.1007/s00167-014-3062-8. Epub 2014 May 3. PMID: 24790076.
Q.
Shin Pain? Why Your Shin is Hurting & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Shin pain is most often due to overuse such as shin splints, muscle strain, or tendon inflammation, but it can also indicate a stress fracture or, rarely, compartment syndrome. There are several factors to consider, including focal pain that persists at rest, numbness or weakness, marked swelling, fever, or pain after trauma; see the complete breakdown below. Next steps that are medically recommended include reducing impact, icing 15 to 20 minutes, checking footwear, gradual return with strength work, and seeing a clinician if pain lasts more than 1 to 2 weeks or is severe or worsening; important details that could change your next steps are outlined below.
References:
* Winters, M., Moen, M. H., Zimmermann, W. O., & Struijs, P. A. A. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome: An Evidence-Based Update. *Current Sports Medicine Reports*, *16*(4), 254-259. PMID: 28700305.
* Moen, M. H., Tol, J. L., & Weir, A. (2020). Bone Stress Injuries in Sport: Epidemiology, Etiology, Diagnosis, and Management. *Journal of Athletic Training*, *55*(10), 990-999. PMID: 33026601.
* Al-Mohrej, O. A., & Al-Fawaz, A. (2018). Chronic exertional compartment syndrome: a critical review of the literature. *World Journal of Orthopaedics*, *9*(3), 215-221. PMID: 29599980.
* Beck, B. R., & Moeller, L. (2019). Lower Leg Pain in Athletes: Stress Fractures and Shin Splints. *Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine*, *12*(4), 487-495. PMID: 31598506.
* Winters, M., van der Worp, H., Groenwold, R. H. H., Janssen, I. W., & Struijs, P. A. A. (2018). Medial tibial stress syndrome: Part 2. Treatment options and prognoses. *Sports Health*, *10*(2), 126-133. PMID: 29543501.
Q.
Sharp IT Band Pain? Why Your Knee is Aching & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Sharp pain on the outside of the knee is often iliotibial band syndrome from overuse and friction, and most cases improve with medically supported steps like reducing aggravating activity, icing, gentle stretches of surrounding muscles, targeted hip and glute strengthening, footwear checks, and cautious short-term use of NSAIDs if appropriate. There are several factors to consider. See below to understand more, including how to tell it from meniscus or LCL injuries, when to see a doctor for swelling, locking, instability, fever, trauma, or pain not improving after 2 to 4 weeks, and timelines to return to activity safely.
References:
* van der Worp H, van der Horst N, de Wijer A, Backx FJ, Nijhuis-van der Sanden MW. Iliotibial Band Syndrome: Risk Factors and Management Strategies. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2021 Aug;14(4):279-286. doi: 10.1007/s12178-021-09720-z. Epub 2021 Jun 29. PMID: 34187067.
* Falvey EC, Duggan K. Iliotibial band syndrome: An evidence-based narrative review of a common source of knee pain. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2022 Mar;52(3):149-160. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2022.10935. Epub 2022 Jan 27. PMID: 35081075.
* Neupane R, Poudel M, Rana PV. Conservative Management of Iliotibial Band Syndrome: A Review of the Literature. J Nepal Health Res Counc. 2017 Jan;15(35):87-94. doi: 10.31729/jnrc.v15i35.127. PMID: 28549925.
* Hamill J, Miller R, Miller B, Davies G. Biomechanical Factors Associated With Iliotibial Band Syndrome in Runners: A Systematic Review. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2018 Aug;48(8):666-675. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2018.8166. PMID: 30097651.
* Gunter P, Schwellnus MP. Iliotibial band syndrome in runners: a systematic review of the literature. Br J Sports Med. 2014 Dec;48(21):1545. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2013-093256. Epub 2014 Aug 27. PMID: 25164852.
Q.
Still Hurting? Why Your Knee Brace Fails & Medically Approved Next Steps
A.
Persistent pain despite a knee brace usually means the brace type or fit is off, the underlying injury is more significant, muscles and movement patterns need strengthening, or the pain is coming from another area; a brace is a tool, not a cure. Medically approved next steps include getting a proper diagnosis, starting targeted physical therapy, adjusting activity, using ice or heat appropriately, considering weight management, and asking about imaging when needed, with urgent care for red flag symptoms; there are several factors to consider, and full details that could affect your decision are outlined below.
References:
* Kox, A. H. P., Van de Laar, B. J. M., Van der Heijden, K. N., Nijhuis, P. A. R., Steultjens, M. C. M., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A. (2022). Reasons for failure of knee orthoses in patients with osteoarthritis: A systematic review. *Osteoarthritis and Cartilage*, *30*(3), 405-416.
* MacLeod, C. J., & Beard, H. A. (2023). Non-surgical management of knee osteoarthritis. *Current Opinion in Rheumatology*, *35*(2), 92-100.
* van der Heijden, J. S., Van der Ende, S. J., Kox, A. H. P., Koes, A. B. C. L. L., Steultjens, M. C. M., & Bierma-Zeinstra, S. M. A. (2021). Exercise therapy versus knee bracing for patellofemoral pain: A systematic review and meta-analysis. *Clinical Rehabilitation*, *35*(5), 652-663.
* Migliorini, A., Scipione, M. M. I. E. M. E., Cacioli, C. A. C. I. O., D'Arino, L., D'Andrea, L. G., & Maffulli, N. (2023). Management of persistent knee pain after conservative treatment failure: a narrative review. *Musculoskeletal Surgery*, *107*(1), 1-10.
* Mora, J. C., & Przkora, R. (2023). *Knee Pain*. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
Q.
Toe stuck? Why your hammer toe is curling and medical next steps
A.
Hammer toe is a curl at the middle joint of a smaller toe caused by muscle and tendon imbalance, often driven by tight or high heels, foot structure, arthritis, or nerve issues; early flexible cases are easier to treat than rigid ones. Next steps usually start with roomy, low-heeled shoes, padding or orthotics, and targeted toe and calf exercises, with prompt medical evaluation for pain, stiffness, sores, infection signs, or if you have diabetes, and surgery only when these measures fail. There are several factors to consider, and key details that could change your plan; see below to understand more.
References:
* Doty JF, Coughlin MJ. Lesser Toe Deformities. Foot Ankle Int. 2021 Mar;42(3):378-386. doi: 10.1177/1071100720959084. Epub 2020 Sep 25. PMID: 32972413.
* Kalvandi H, Saltychev M, Kautiainen H, Paloneva J, Sarin J. The aetiology of lesser toe deformities: a systematic review. Foot Ankle Surg. 2023 Dec;29(8):722-728. doi: 10.1016/j.fas.2023.08.016. Epub 2023 Aug 24. PMID: 37679237.
* Loehr L, Jaffe D. Surgical Correction of Hammertoe Deformities. JBJS Essent Surg Tech. 2023 Nov 28;13(4):e22.00073. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.ST.22.00073. PMID: 38048197; PMCID: PMC10850231.
* Caine MP, Lischuk AW. Nonoperative Management of Lesser Toe Deformities. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2022 Jul;39(3):477-490. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2022.03.003. PMID: 35749742.
* Karch RM, Menger MM. Diagnosis and Conservative Treatment of Lesser Toe Deformities. Clin Podiatr Med Surg. 2022 Jul;39(3):465-475. doi: 10.1016/j.cpm.2022.03.002. PMID: 35749741.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 25(1):p 23-31, January 2017. | DOI: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-15-00187