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Foot & heel

Achilles Tendinopathy

An overview of what published studies describe for Achilles Tendinopathy — exercises with their evidence strength, plus prevention insights. Educational information, not medical advice.

Exercises from studies: 12 · Prevention insights: 8

Exercises from studies

Exercise approaches that clinical studies investigated for this condition, with the strength of the evidence.

Balance & Proprioception (Home)

Limited evidence
What studies found

SMT can therefore be recommended as part of a multimodal treatment strategy protocol in patients suffering from Achilles tendinopathy

Evidence base: three randomized controlled trials · Source: PubMed 39119510

Cryotherapy (Self-Applied)

Limited evidence
What studies found

EE vibration training programme and cryotherapy with EE produced a thickness and CSA increase at 0, 2, 4, and 6 cm in maximal isometric contraction and at rest in subjects with chronic mid-portion AT.

How often (in studies)
Immediately after the intervention with cryotherapy, the EE programme was carried out.
Session length
17 minutes
What it looks like
Patients immersed the affected lower limb in a 70-L bucket and 55-cm deep at 8C ± 2C water

Source: PubMed 30790440

🔒Combined Loading (Silbernagel Protocol)Limited evidence
🔒Eccentric Heel Drop (Alfredson Protocol)Limited evidence
🔒Modified Eccentric Heel Drop (Insertional)Limited evidence
🔒Heavy Slow Resistance (Home)Limited evidence
🔒Isometric Calf Exercise (Home)Limited evidence
🔒Night SplintLimited evidence
🔒Patient Education & Load ManagementLimited evidence
🔒Progressive Calf StrengtheningLimited evidence
🔒Calf Stretching / FlexibilityLimited evidence
🔒Telehealth Exercise ProgramLimited evidence

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Prevention

What research links to lower or higher risk — described from published studies.

Maintenance Exercise Program (Eccentric/HSR)

Risk factor in studies

This study suggested that calf-muscle exercise therapy may be worth continuing even after symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy have resolved.

Training Load Management

Risk factor in studies

This study describes tracking complaints tied to (sports) activities with a pain scale and modifying those activities according to what the scale showed.

Patient Education & Load Management

Risk factor in studies

This study suggested that basic management span at least 12 weeks and combine three components: education for the patient, management of load, and exercise therapy for the calf muscles.

Balance & Proprioception Training

Risk factor in studies

sensorimotor training combined with education showed improvements in VISA-A scores

Footwear / Heel Lifts / Orthoses

Risk factor in studies

This systematic review describes orthoses as not recommended for improving pain and function in Achilles tendinopathy.

Fluoroquinolone & Statin Risk Awareness

Risk factor in studies

This study reported that taking fluoroquinolones carries a heightened risk of tendon disorders.

Gradual Return-to-Sport Progression

Risk factor in studies

According to this study, resuming sport within days is linked to a higher chance of recurrence.

Calf Stretching & Flexibility

Risk factor in studies

passive static stretching of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles

🚩 When to see a doctor

Some symptoms call for a medical check before any exercise: severe pain after an injury, numbness or tingling, weakness, fever with pain, night pain that does not ease, or bladder/bowel changes. If any of these are present, see a doctor first.

More safety signs

Healthcare professional?

The professional platform adds full source traceability — every data point leads to the exact study page.

Professional evidence

Educational InformationPhysioSense is an educational reference tool based on published research. It does NOT replace a medical examination or physiotherapy assessment. If you have severe pain, new symptoms, or are unsure — see a doctor or physiotherapist. You always make the final decision about your exercise. Pain is a signal to stop.