Achilles Tendinitis Treatment Birmingham and Warwickshire
- Adam Whatley
- 13 hours ago
- 4 min read
Achilles Tendinitis and Insertional Achilles Tendinitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Advanced PRP Treatment
Achilles tendinitis is a common overuse injury that affects athletes, runners, and active individuals, but it can also occur in less active patients due to age-related degeneration or biomechanical issues. This condition involves inflammation and microtears in theh Achilles tendon, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced function. When the tendon attaches to the heel bone, it is referred to as insertional Achilles tendinitis, which can be more stubborn and slower to heal due to the tendon-bone interface stress.
At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, with specialist clinics serving Birmingham and Warwickshire, we assess Achilles tendon disorders comprehensively and offer advanced treatments including ultrasound-guided PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections, combined with rehabilitation and load management strategies. Our approach is designed to reduce pain, accelerate healing, and optimise long-term tendon health.
What is Achilles Tendinitis
The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Despite its strength, repetitive overloading can lead to tendinopathy, characterised by microtears, degeneration of tendon fibres, and inflammation.
Insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. In this location, the tendon experiences compressive forces in addition to tensile stress, which makes it more prone to chronic degeneration, bony spurs, and persistent pain. Unlike midportion Achilles tendinitis, insertional forms often respond less predictably to standard therapies, highlighting the need for specialised regenerative interventions.
Symptoms of Achilles Tendinitis
Patients with Achilles tendinitis typically present with:
Pain along the tendon, either mid-portion or at the insertion near the heel
Stiffness in the morning or after periods of inactivity
Pain during or after running, jumping, or climbing stairs
Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Tenderness to palpation
Insertional Achilles tendinitis often presents with pain directly over the heel bone, sometimes accompanied by visible bony prominences or swelling. Chronic cases can limit walking, running, or even normal daily activities.
Causes and Risk Factors
Achilles tendinitis is usually an overuse injury, though degenerative changes can contribute. Common risk factors include:
👉🏼 Sudden increases in running or training intensity
👉🏼 Tight calf muscles or limited ankle mobility
👉🏼 Abnormal foot biomechanics, such as overpronation
👉🏼 Previous tendon injuries
👉🏼 Age-related tendon degeneration
👉🏼 Improper footwear
Insertional tendinitis is more resistant to healing because the tendon-bone interface has reduced blood supply and experiences compressive loads during ankle dorsiflexion.
Diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, supported by imaging when necessary. At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we assess:
Pain location and severity
Tendon thickening or nodularity
Range of motion and ankle biomechanics
Functional limitations in walking, running, and jumping
Ultrasound imaging is particularly useful for confirming tendon degeneration, identifying microtears, detecting bursitis, and guiding PRP injections for maximum precision. MRI can be used in complex or persistent cases.
Conservative Management
Initial management focuses on reducing tendon load, improving flexibility, and correcting biomechanical factors. This may include:
✅ Activity modification to reduce repetitive stress
✅ Eccentric calf strengthening exercises, which are well supported in the literature for tendon rehabilitation
✅ Stretching and mobility work for the Achilles and calf muscles
✅ Footwear advice and orthotics where appropriate
While many patients respond to conservative care, chronic or insertional cases often require advanced regenerative treatments to accelerate healing.
PRP Therapy for Achilles Tendinitis
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic treatment that uses a concentration of the patient’s own platelets to release growth factors and cytokines that promote tissue repair. PRP therapy has been increasingly used in chronic tendinopathies, including both mid-portion and insertional Achilles tendinitis.
PRP works by:
✔️ Stimulating tenocyte proliferation
✔️ Enhancing collagen synthesis
✔️ Modulating inflammation
✔️ Promoting tendon remodelling and healing
Unlike corticosteroids, which may provide short-term pain relief but risk tendon weakening, PRP targets long-term tissue regeneration, making it ideal for chronic or degenerative tendon injuries.
Clinical Evidence Supporting PRP
Numerous studies have investigated PRP in Achilles tendinopathy:
At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, PRP is administered under ultrasound guidance to ensure accurate placement directly at the site of tendon degeneration or insertional stress, maximising effectiveness.
Integrating PRP with Rehabilitation
PRP therapy is most effective when combined with structured rehabilitation. After treatment, patients typically follow a tailored program to gradually restore tendon load capacity, strengthen the calf and surrounding muscles, and correct abnormal biomechanics. This integrated approach ensures long-term functional improvement and reduces the risk of recurrent tendon injury.
When to Seek Specialist Assessment
Patients should consider assessment if they experience:
👉🏼 Persistent Achilles pain lasting more than 4–6 weeks
👉🏼 Pain during or after running, walking, or stair climbing
👉🏼 Thickening, nodules, or swelling of the tendon
👉🏼 Pain at the tendon insertion at the heel
Early assessment allows targeted interventions that accelerate healing and prevent progression to chronic tendon degeneration or rupture.
Specialist Care in Birmingham & Warwickshire
At Dynamic Regenerative Medicine, we provide a comprehensive, evidence-based approach for Achilles tendinopathy and insertional tendinitis. Our services include:
✅ Ultrasound-guided PRP injections
✅ Individualised rehabilitation programs
✅ Biomechanical assessment and correction
✅ Activity modification and exercise prescription
✅ Advanced regenerative therapies aimed at tendon healing and long-term protection
Our focus is not only on symptom relief, but also on optimising tendon health, restoring function, and preventing recurrence.
Contact Dynamic Regenerative Medicine today to arrange a consultation for Achilles pain and take the first step toward healing, restoring function, and protecting your tendons for the long term.
Book a Consultation
If you are experiencing joint pain or foot injury, early assessment can prevent progression and speed recovery.
Dynamic Regenerative Medicine
Clinics in Birmingham and Warwickshire
Specialists in musculoskeletal medicine, rehabilitation, and regenerative therapies.
Contact us today to arrange an assessment.
01564 330773
Comments