Achilles Tendon Injury: Beware of Pain in the Back of the Heel

12 January 2026 3 min read

By: dr. Siti Shalihah Suriadiredja, Sp. KO

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the human body, connecting the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). This tendon plays a crucial role in various daily activities such as walking, running, and jumping.

Achilles tendon injuries are quite common, especially in runners, basketball players, futsal players, and other sports that involve jumping and sudden acceleration. Without proper treatment, these injuries can impair mobility and quality of life.

Causes of Achilles Tendon Injuries

Beberapa faktor yang dapat meningkatkan risiko terjadinya cedera tendon Achilles antara lain:

Sudden increase in exercise intensity or frequency
Wearing inappropriate or worn-out athletic shoes
Tight and inflexible calf muscles
Structural foot abnormalities, such as flat feet
History of previous injuries or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes

Injuries to the Achilles tendon can include inflammation (tendinitis), degenerative changes (tendinosis), and partial or complete tears.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Injury

Common symptoms include:

Pain in the back of the heel, especially upon waking
Stiffness or tightness in the tendon upon movement
Pain that worsens when running, jumping, or climbing stairs
Thickening or a small lump along the tendon
In complete tears, a "pop" sound may be heard along with an inability to stand on tiptoes.

Achilles Tendon Injury Treatment

Initial treatment aims to reduce pain and prevent the injury from getting worse, including:

Rest your feet from strenuous activity
Ice the painful area regularly
Take anti-inflammatory medications as directed by your doctor
Wear shoes with heel supports or special insoles

In chronic conditions or severe tears, further action up to surgery may be necessary according to the doctor's evaluation.

Achilles Tendon Treatment at Premier Bintaro Hospital

Orthosports Wellness Center Premier Bintaro Hospital provides a targeted and integrated rehabilitation and reconditioning program, including:

Eccentric exercises to strengthen the calf muscles
Gastrocnemius and soleus muscle stretches
Gradual functional strengthening exercises
Foot biomechanical and gait evaluation

All programs are tailored to the severity of the injury and the patient's activity needs and goals, to accelerate recovery and prevent re-injury.

When to See a Doctor?

Consult the Orthosports Wellness Center at Premier Bintaro Hospital immediately if you experience pain behind your heel for more than a week, or sharp pain accompanied by weakness when walking. Early treatment is crucial to prevent further tendon damage and avoid surgery.

Orthosports Wellness Center at Premier Bintaro Hospital offers a comprehensive approach to Achilles tendon injuries. With the support of sports medicine and orthopedic specialists, we are ready to help you recover safely and optimally.