Achilles tendonitis is a painful and often frustrating condition that affects one of the most important tendons in your body — the Achilles tendon. This tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. When inflamed or irritated, it can cause sharp or burning pain in the back of your heel, stiffness in the morning, and difficulty performing everyday activities, let alone athletic movements.

While rest, stretching, and other conservative treatments are important for recovery, one of the most effective long-term solutions for managing Achilles tendonitis is custom foot orthotics. Orthotics can address the root causes of tendon irritation, provide structural support, and reduce stress on the tendon so it can heal properly. In this blog, we’ll explore what Achilles tendonitis is, why it happens, and how foot orthotics can play a key role in treatment and prevention.

Understanding Achilles Tendonitis

What Is It?

Achilles tendonitis occurs when the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed due to overuse, biomechanical imbalances, or repetitive stress. It is especially common among runners, athletes who play sports involving sudden stops and starts, and people who spend long hours on their feet.

Symptoms

Typical symptoms of Achilles tendonitis include:

  • Pain and stiffness in the heel or back of the leg, especially in the morning.

  • Tenderness or swelling along the tendon.

  • Pain that worsens with activity, particularly running or climbing stairs.

  • Limited range of motion in the ankle.

If left untreated, tendonitis can progress to tendon degeneration (tendinosis) or even a rupture, which requires surgical intervention.

Causes and Risk Factors

Achilles tendonitis often develops due to:

  • Overpronation (flat feet): When the arch collapses excessively, the foot rolls inward, putting extra strain on the tendon.

  • High arches (supination): Feet with high arches often lack shock absorption, causing additional impact on the tendon.

  • Improper footwear: Wearing shoes without adequate support can overload the tendon.

  • Sudden increases in activity: Jumping into intense exercise routines without proper conditioning.

  • Tight calf muscles: Limited flexibility in the calves increases pulling forces on the tendon.

This is where orthotics become essential — by correcting foot mechanics and redistributing pressure, they can directly address many of these causes.

How Foot Orthotics Help Achilles Tendonitis

1. Correcting Biomechanical Imbalances

One of the biggest contributors to Achilles tendonitis is poor foot mechanics. If your feet overpronate or supinate, the tendon is placed under abnormal tension with every step. Custom orthotics are designed to restore proper alignment by supporting the arches and guiding your foot through a healthier motion.

By aligning the foot and ankle properly, orthotics reduce twisting forces on the tendon, allowing it to function in its natural range of motion instead of being overstressed.

2. Reducing Excessive Strain on the Achilles Tendon

Every step you take transfers force through the Achilles tendon. If that force isn’t distributed evenly, certain sections of the tendon bear more load than they should. Orthotics cushion and spread out pressure, helping to offload the tendon.

For example:

  • For people with flat feet, orthotics lift the arch to prevent overpronation.

  • For people with high arches, foot orthotics provide shock absorption to reduce impact.

This reduces microtears, irritation, and inflammation in the tendon, giving it the chance to heal.

3. Improving Shock Absorption

The Achilles tendon already absorbs a lot of stress, particularly during high-impact activities like running or jumping. If your feet don’t absorb shock well, that stress travels directly into the tendon. Custom orthotics made with cushioning materials absorb impact, protecting the tendon from repetitive trauma.

This not only speeds up recovery but also makes exercise more comfortable, allowing you to stay active while minimizing risk of re-injury.

4. Enhancing Footwear Support

Even the best athletic shoes may not provide the specific support your feet need. Orthotics bridge that gap by turning your everyday shoes into corrective, supportive footwear. They help maintain proper alignment, stabilize your heel, and prevent unnecessary tendon stress.

For individuals who spend long hours on their feet at work, orthotics can be the difference between chronic heel pain and all-day comfort.

5. Promoting Long-Term Healing and Prevention

While rest and physical therapy can relieve Achilles tendonitis in the short term, the underlying foot mechanics may still put you at risk of recurrence. Orthotics provide a long-term solution by correcting the way your feet and ankles move.

This not only helps resolve the current episode of tendonitis but also prevents future flare-ups, allowing you to return to your favorite activities with confidence.

Custom Orthotics vs. Over-the-Counter Inserts

You may wonder: Can’t I just buy a pair of insoles from the drugstore?

While over-the-counter inserts can provide some cushioning, they are not customized to your unique foot structure or gait. Achilles tendonitis often requires specific corrections for your foot mechanics, which generic inserts cannot provide.

Custom orthotics are:

  • Individually tailored: Designed from a 3D scan or mold of your feet.

  • Precise: Built to correct your exact biomechanical issues.

  • Durable: Made from high-quality materials that last for years.

For Achilles tendonitis, the personalized fit of custom orthotics makes a significant difference in recovery and long-term relief.

Combining Orthotics with Other Treatments

While orthotics are highly effective, they work best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Some complementary strategies include:

  • Stretching and strengthening: Regular calf stretches and eccentric heel drops can improve tendon flexibility and strength.

  • Activity modification: Reducing high-impact activities until symptoms improve.

  • Ice therapy: Applying ice packs after activity to reduce inflammation.

  • Proper footwear: Using shoes with supportive soles and avoiding high heels or worn-out footwear.

  • Chiropractic or physiotherapy care: Manual therapy and soft tissue treatments can enhance recovery.

Together, these approaches create a well-rounded plan that supports healing and prevents recurrence.

When to Consider Orthotics for Achilles Tendonitis

You should consider custom orthotics if:

  • Your Achilles tendonitis keeps coming back despite rest.

  • You have flat feet, high arches, or other biomechanical issues.

  • You experience pain during or after standing, walking, or running.

  • You’ve tried other treatments but still struggle with discomfort.

Early intervention with a best foot orthotics can prevent the condition from worsening and help you get back to a pain-free lifestyle faster.

Achilles tendonitis can significantly limit your mobility, activity levels, and overall quality of life. While rest and therapy are important, addressing the underlying biomechanical causes is essential for lasting relief. Custom foot orthotics provide targeted support by correcting alignment, reducing tendon strain, absorbing shock, and preventing future flare-ups.

Whether you’re an athlete looking to return to peak performance or someone seeking everyday comfort, orthotics can make a profound difference in managing Achilles tendonitis. By incorporating them into a holistic treatment plan, you’ll not only relieve pain but also protect your Achilles tendon for years to come.

Article by: Dr. Farokh Zavosh

Burrard Chiropractic and Foot Orthotics – Vancouver Chiropractor