Condition profile · Ankle & Foot
Achilles tendinopathy and rupture
Protocol from 4'060 CHF · ≈ 8 weeks
Understand
What is Achilles tendinopathy?
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel. Achilles tendinopathy, often called tendinitis, causes pain and stiffness in the tendon, especially in the morning and at the start of exercise. It affects runners and jumping athletes, but also less active people after a sudden increase in activity.
As with other tendons, rest alone is not enough: the tendon heals through progressive calf strengthening. A ruptured tendon is a different situation that needs prompt medical advice.
See a doctor promptly if…
- Sudden pain at the back of the ankle, like a kick or a snap
- You cannot stand on tiptoe on the affected side
- A gap you can feel in the tendon
Common causes
- Overload in runners
- Sudden change in training volume
- Calf stiffness
Symptoms
- Tendon pain and stiffness, especially in the morning or at the start of exercise
- In case of rupture: sudden pain, sensation of a blow, inability to stand on tiptoes
Timeline
How long does Achilles tendinopathy last?
Progress is measured in weeks: a tendon strengthening programme usually lasts at least 12 weeks.
- Recent tendinopathy, treated early
- 6 to 12 weeks
- Tendinopathy present for several months
- 3 to 6 months
- Treated rupture, back to running
- 4 to 6 months
- Treated rupture, jumping or pivoting sports
- 9 to 12 months
Diagnosis
Our approach
The first step is always a medical consultation. Complementing this: clinical assessment (Thompson test to rule out complete rupture) by the physiotherapist. Ultrasound with Dr Massimo Donalisio to characterize the lesion.
Care at Off-Field
- Physiotherapy
- Physical preparation (eccentric strengthening — the reference intervention in the literature for tendinopathy)
- In coordination with Dr Massimo Donalisio when indicated: shockwaves, PRP if these fail; for complete rupture: surgical or conservative referral depending on the chosen protocol, then long return-to-play work with us
Rehab
Physio treatment, step by step
- 01
Adjust the load
Reduce what aggravates it (hills, sprints, jumps), keep up a tolerated activity and ease pain with isometric exercises.
- 02
Strengthen the calf
Slow heel raises with increasing load, on two legs then one: this is the core of the treatment.
- 03
Restore elasticity
Faster exercises, hops and skipping rope, to get the tendon used to impact again.
- 04
Back to running
A gradual return to running, then to faster sessions, monitoring pain the next morning.
Exercises
Exercises for the Achilles tendon
Slow heel raises
Standing on a step, rise onto your toes over 2 seconds and lower over 3. 3 sets of 15, then on one leg.
Calf isometrics
On the ball of one foot, hold for 30 to 45 seconds. 5 repetitions: useful when the tendon is painful.
Bent-knee heel raises
Same exercise with the knee slightly bent, to target the soleus muscle. 3 sets of 15.
Hops
Once strengthening is well tolerated: small hops on the spot on both feet, then on one.
Examples to adapt with your physio after the assessment: pain during exercise should stay moderate and settle within 24 hours.
Return to sport
Getting back to running after Achilles tendinopathy
- Little or no morning stiffness
- At least 25 single-leg heel raises, matching the other side
- Pain-free single-leg hops, with a height close to the other side on a force plate
- Running rebuilt in stages, with no pain the next morning
Investment
Base protocol price
From
4'060CHF
≈ 8 weeks
Indicative price that may vary with the number of protocol weeks. It will be adjusted after the clinical assessment by the physician and physiotherapist, based on the actual protocol duration and specific needs.
Mandatory prerequisite (not included)
Initial consultation with a partner physician (entry assessment): mandatory prerequisite, not included in the package. If needed, our team handles the referral and booking.
Included in the package
- Private physiotherapy sessions (2× 1h / week)
- One-on-one personal training (1× 1h / week)
- Initial + follow-up consultation with a partner nutritionist
- Case coordination: premium orchestration across all experts, direct booking of appointments once your schedule is shared
Extras not included. Imaging (ultrasound, MRI), orthobiologics (PRP, hyaluronic acid, SVF, BMAC), injections, shockwave therapy, biomarker panels: billed on top, only when clinically indicated by the responsible practitioner.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about the Achilles tendon
Another question? We reply quickly on WhatsApp.
Message us on WhatsAppShould I stop running with Achilles tendinopathy?
Does shockwave therapy work?
Heel raises, shoes: do they help?
What if the Achilles tendon ruptures?
Same area
Other conditions treated: ankle & foot
The diagnosis drives the protocol. Here are the other situations we treat in this area.
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