Running with Achilles Pain? Here's How Keystone PT Can Help You Get Back on Track

Running is one of the simplest and most rewarding forms of exercise—but when Achilles pain starts acting up, every step can become a challenge. At Keystone Physical Therapy, we regularly work with runners facing Achilles injuries ranging from mild irritation to more serious tendon damage.

Whether you’re training for your next 5K or just trying to stay active, here’s what every runner should know about Achilles pain—and how physical therapy can help you recover safely and return stronger.

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel. It plays a vital role in running, jumping, and pushing off the ground. But due to repetitive stress, poor training habits, or biomechanical issues, it’s also one of the most frequently injured tendons in runner - often the source of Achilles pain.

Common Causes of Achilles Pain

🟠 Achilles Tendinitis

This is inflammation of the tendon, often caused by overtraining, poor footwear, or tight calf muscles. Symptoms: Pain and stiffness in the back of the heel, especially in the morning or after a run.

🟠 Achilles Tendinosis

A more chronic condition where the tendon starts to degenerate from repeated microtrauma without enough healing time. Symptoms: Ongoing soreness, possible tendon thickening, and decreased performance.

🔴 Achilles Rupture

A rare but serious injury—often marked by a sudden "pop" and sharp pain. Usually occurs during explosive movement like sprinting. Symptoms: Inability to push off the foot or stand on tiptoe, along with immediate pain.

How Physical Therapy at Keystone Can Help Achilles Heel Pain

✅ Thorough Evaluation

We begin with a detailed biomechanical assessment of your running style, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns to find the root cause of your Achilles pain—not just treat the symptoms.

✅ Hands-On Manual Therapy

Soft tissue mobilization, massage, and joint work can reduce pain, improve mobility, and speed up healing—especially when combined with guided exercise.

✅ Targeted Exercise Programs

• Eccentric heel drops: A proven method to rebuild tendon strength

• Isometric holds: Early-stage strengthening with less irritation

• Resistance band work: Improves ankle and calf muscle coordination

• Stretching routines: Focused on calves, hips, and posterior chain

  
  

✅ Return-to-Running Progressions

We’ll guide you through a gradual return to running, integrating walk-run intervals, form correction, and proper loading strategies to avoid re-injury.

✅ Prevention for the Long Haul

Our team helps you stay ahead of future setbacks with advice on proper footwear, training plans, recovery habits, and smart cross-training.

When to Seek Help

Don’t wait until it gets worse. If you’re experiencing:

• Persistent heel pain for more than 1–2 weeks

• Swelling or thickening near the tendon

• Sharp pain or a “snap” during exercise. It’s time to consult a physical therapist.

Run Pain-Free with Help from Keystone PT

Achilles pain doesn't have to sideline your running goals. At Keystone Physical Therapy, we combine expert clinical care with a deep understanding of sports performance to help runners recover safely and stay injury-free.

👉 Schedule an evaluation today with one of our running injury specialists. Let’s get you back on the road—stronger, faster, and pain-free. Book an Appointment Now