Achilles Pain in Runners and Pickleball Players
- Dr. Gregory T Jacobs

- Feb 15
- 1 min read

Achilles pain is common among runners and pickleball athletes in Howard County due to repetitive loading and quick direction changes.
Why Achilles Pain Develops
Sudden training increases
Calf weakness
Limited ankle mobility
Inadequate warm-up
High-impact activity without progression
How Physical Therapy Treats Achilles Pain
Treatment may include:
Progressive Tendon Loading
Building tolerance safely.
Calf Strengthening
Improving force absorption.
Ankle Mobility Restoration
Enhancing movement efficiency.
Return-to-Run or Sport Programming
Gradual, structured progression.
Frequently Asked Questions About Achilles Pain
Should I stretch my Achilles if it hurts?
Stretching alone is not enough—tendons respond best to progressive strengthening.
How long does Achilles tendonitis last?
With consistent rehab, many improve within weeks to months.
Can I keep running with Achilles pain?
Sometimes, with modifications guided by a PT.
What happens if Achilles pain is ignored?
It can become chronic and harder to treat.



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