ConditionsAchilles Tendinitis

Achilles Tendinitis

That nagging heel pain doesn't have to stop you in your tracks. We help runners, weekend warriors, and active folks recover from overuse injuries, and get back to doing what they love.

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Runner holding his ankle in pain from Achilles tendinitis, a common overuse injury seen in Lafayette, LA.
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Two generations of chiropractic care, Dr. Mike & Dr. Matt Cavanaugh

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Trusted since 1974

Two generations of care

01Understanding the condition

What is Achilles tendinitis?

Whether you’re chasing a new personal record, getting in your daily steps, or just keeping up with the kids, pain in the back of your heel can stop you in your tracks, literally. Achilles tendinitis is one of the most common sports injuries we see, especially in runners and active folks who like to stay on the move.

Achilles tendinitis is the inflammation or irritation of the Achilles tendon, the thick band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It’s a powerhouse tendon, helping you walk, run, jump, and climb stairs. But like any overused part, it can wear down over time, especially with repetitive stress.

It’s most common in athletes, runners, or anyone who ramps up physical activity too quickly, and frequently linked to poor biomechanics, inadequate footwear, tight calf muscles, or limited ankle mobility.

02Signs & symptoms

Signs you might have Achilles tendinitis.

Symptoms usually start gradually, often mild pain after activity that gets worse over time. Some common signs include:

Aching or burning pain above the heel, especially after exercise
Morning stiffness that improves with movement
Swelling around the tendon
Tenderness when touching or flexing the back of the ankle
A thickening of the tendon over time
Don't wait
The sooner we get to the root of it, the better your outcome, early care makes a real difference.
03Our approach

How Cavanaugh Chiropractic can help.

"A chiropractor for a heel problem?" Yes, because the way your feet move is directly connected to how your spine, hips, knees, and ankles work together. We look at the whole kinetic chain, not just the heel. If your hips are compensating for tight calves, your Achilles takes the hit.
Adjustments for better alignment
Adjustments to the spine, hips, knees, and ankles improve overall biomechanics and relieve compensatory stress on the tendon. Better alignment = better movement.
Soft tissue therapy
Targeted manual therapy reduces tension in the calf muscles and promotes healing in the tendon, easing stiffness without relying solely on medication.
Therapeutic exercise & rehab
Gentle, progressive stretches and strengthening exercises tailored to your injury stage, from early recovery to a full return to sport.
Custom footwear & orthotic advice
The right shoes, and possibly orthotics, make a huge difference in preventing re-injury. We'll find what works for your foot type and activity level.
Lifestyle & training modifications
Smart changes that reduce repetitive strain, without asking you to give up what you love. Sometimes it's as simple as a schedule tweak or cross-training days.
You don't have to push through the pain.
The sooner we address it, the sooner you're back to feeling your best.
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How can we help?

Ready to take the next step?

We're focused on helping you move better, feel stronger, and stay active. Let's get to the root of the issue and build a plan that helps you heal.

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Every recovery needs a game plan.

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