Morning stiffness
Notice how the back of your ankle feels when you first get moving.
Achilles Tendon Pain · Shelton, Connecticut
Every step matters.
Start with the cause.
Pain behind the heel or along the back of the ankle can affect walking, stairs and exercise. An evaluation helps distinguish tendon irritation from an injury needing a different approach.
Understand the condition
The Achilles connects your calf to your heel.
This tendon helps you push off while walking and running. Achilles tendinopathy can cause pain and stiffness along the tendon or where it meets the heel. It differs from plantar fasciitis, which commonly causes pain underneath the heel.
Activity-related pain
Describe discomfort with walking, running, hills or stairs and recent changes in activity.
Location matters
Point out whether pain is at the heel attachment or farther up the tendon.
Your evaluation
Make your visit
about your situation.
Tell us how symptoms started, whether there was a sudden pop and how your walking has changed. Bring details of your footwear, recent training changes and prior treatment. Your clinician will assess whether the pattern fits tendinopathy or requires further evaluation.
Explain what you would like to do more comfortably, whether that means work, sleep, exercise or everyday tasks. Your goals help focus the conversation.
Meet Dr. Dalfino →Care planning
Choose the next step
with a clearer picture.
Load management and a progressive exercise plan are common elements of conservative tendon care. The plan should account for where the tendon hurts and how it responds. We will discuss whether our services are appropriate; treatment should not delay assessment of a possible rupture.
When to seek prompt medical attention
A sudden pop or snap behind the ankle, rapid swelling, or difficulty pushing off or standing on tiptoe needs prompt medical assessment for a possible tendon rupture. Do not try to exercise through a suspected tear.
Common questions
A little more clarity.
Is Achilles pain the same as plantar fasciitis?
No. They involve different structures. Achilles pain is usually behind the heel or ankle, while plantar fascia pain is commonly underneath the heel.
Should I keep running through the pain?
Discuss activity changes with a clinician. A progressive return depends on your symptoms and findings; a sudden injury needs prompt assessment.
Can I use the same exercises for every Achilles problem?
No. The location and nature of the problem matter. An individually selected program is preferable to assuming one routine fits every tendon complaint.
Related care
Keep exploring.
Meet your doctor
Dr. James J. Dalfino →
Your next step
Start with a conversation.
Leave with a direction.
Schedule an individual consultation and examination at our Shelton center. Bring your questions, your records and the goals that matter to you.
$99 New Patient Special
Consultation, examination, report of findings and first treatment when appropriate.
Schedule My New Patient Visit2 Trap Falls Road, Suite 208 · Shelton, CT 06484
(203) 922-9277
Patient education sources
General educational resources. These organizations do not endorse this practice or its services. Individual recommendations require an examination.