Achilles Tendinopathy Treatment in Ottawa and Waterloo: Pain at the Back of the Ankle and Heel
Achilles tendinopathy is pain and dysfunction in the Achilles tendon, the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is common in runners and in people who have increased their activity suddenly, but it also occurs in people who are not particularly active. Pain is often felt at the back of the ankle or heel, especially with the first steps in the morning, with running or jumping, or after activity.
What Achilles tendinopathy involves
The tendon may be tender to touch, swollen, or stiff, particularly in the morning. Two broad patterns are described: pain in the middle of the tendon, and pain where the tendon attaches to the heel bone. Those patterns can behave differently, and a proper assessment — including where exactly the pain is, what loads provoke it, and what training or activity changes preceded it — helps guide the plan.
How focused shockwave therapy is thought to work for Achilles tendinopathy
FocusWave Clinic uses the Storz Medical DUOLITH SD1, a Health Canada licensed device, to deliver focused low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave therapy (LI-ESWT), with pulses focused on the painful tendon area.
The published evidence for Achilles tendinopathy is more mixed than for plantar fasciitis: some studies show benefit, others show small or inconclusive effects. Shockwave is discussed at FocusWave Clinic as one part of a plan that also addresses load management and rehabilitation, which are central to tendon recovery. What may help in an individual case is discussed after assessment.
What a first visit and assessment involves
A first visit starts with an assessment: history, where and when the pain occurs, activity and training review, and an assessment by the clinic team, followed by a suitability check. The chronic pain program is $1,250 if a person is suitable and chooses to proceed. Expectations are set honestly at assessment, including that tendon recovery is often gradual rather than immediate.
Who should call first instead of assuming treatment is suitable
Call before assuming treatment is suitable if you have a pacemaker or implanted device, an infection or open wound in the treatment area, cancer in the treatment area, or a bleeding disorder or use of blood thinners. A sudden “pop” with inability to push off the foot, or a suspected tendon rupture, needs urgent assessment, not a routine consultation.
Talk to FocusWave Clinic in Ottawa or Waterloo
FocusWave Clinic has clinics in Ottawa and Waterloo.
If Achilles pain is limiting your walking, running, or sport, call first to discuss an assessment.
- Ottawa: 2249 Carling Ave, Suite 201, Ottawa ON K2B 7E9 — 613-422-9283
- Waterloo: 109 Erb St. W, Suite B, Waterloo ON N2L 1T4 — 226-476-4147
- Toll-free: 888-558-9283 | info@focuswaveclinic.com | www.focuswaveclinic.com
