Achilles tendonitis Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon ( see Tendonitis ) . It is generally precipitated by overuse of the affected limb and is more common among athletes training under less than ideal conditions . It should not be confused with xanthoma of the tendon , which is the accumulation of cholesterol in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia . The Achilles tendon does not have good blood supply or cell activity , so this injury can be slow to heal . The tendon receives nutrients from the tendon sheath or paratendon . When an injury occurs to the tendon , cells from surrounding structures migrate into the tendon to assist in repair . Some of these cells come from blood vessels that enter the tendon to provide direct blood flow to increase healing . With the blood vessels come nerve fibers . Researchers believe these nerve fibers to be the cause of the pain . Treatment is possible with ice , wearing heel pads to reduce the strain on the tendon , and an exercise routine geared towards strengthening the tendon . Seeing a sports medicine clinician , a podiatrist , or a physical therapist as soon as possible is important , because this injury can lead to an Achilles tendon rupture with continued overuse . Treatment may include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs , such as ibuprofen , ultrasound therapy , manual therapy techniques , a rehabilitation program , and in rare cases , application of a plaster cast . Severe cases may require surgery such as from a orthopedic surgeon . High load eccentric contractions have recently been shown to be very effective at decreasing the pain and strengthening the tendon . Prevention includes following appropriate exercise habits and wearing low-heeled shoes . An athletic trainer or physical trainer can prescribe safe exercise methods . External links Short tutorial for runners on how to prevent and cure Achilles tendon pain and knee pain Achilles tendonitis facts + treatment info This medical article is a stub . You can help Wikipedia by expanding it . Categories : Overuse injuries | Medicine stubs In other languages : Nederlands 