Achilles tendinitis, also called Achilles tendinopathy, is a common lower‑limb overuse injury. It occurs when the large tendon connecting the calf muscles to the heel becomes irritated, painful, or degenerated due to overuse, repetitive strain, or micro‑tears. Achilles tendinitis causes pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced performance, especially during walking, running, or other activities involving the lower leg and foot. Injuries to the Achilles tendon are very common in athletes and active adults. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), approximately 30% of all runners develop Achilles tendinopathy, and between 7 – 9 % of runners develop an Achilles tendon injury each year.
Dr. Benjamin Weaver, our skilled podiatrist at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, understands that when you have foot, leg, or ankle pain, it can disrupt your life and make daily activities a challenge. Here, he discusses a leading-edge treatment for Achilles tendinitis and how it might help solve your pain.
Treatment for Achilles Tendinitis
When a patient suffers an Achilles tendon injury, our podiatrist will do a complete physical exam of the area on your leg and/or ankle, pressing gently to find the area that’s painful, tender, and/or swollen. He may use imagining tests, such as X-rays, ultrasound, or an MRI, to best diagnose Achilles tendinitis.
After a diagnosis of Achilles tendinitis, Dr. Weaver will create a personalized treatment plan with you. He may start with first-line protocols, such as the following:
- Using the RICE method:
- Rest. Stop activities that aggravate your injury, and switch to swimming or biking or use crutches or a boot.
- Ice. To reduce swelling, apply ice after activities or when your injury is painful.
- Compression. Use bandages or wraps to decrease swelling.
- Elevation. Raise your foot above heart level to reduce swelling.
- Modifying your activity. Avoid high-impact activities and exercise by cycling or using an elliptical machine.
- Leveraging physical therapy. Specific stretches (like calf stretches) and strengthening exercises are important.
- Wearing orthotics and inserts. Heel pads, lifts, or custom orthotics can reduce tendon stress; supportive shoes are important; avoid walking barefoot.
- Taking medications. Over-the-counter non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help with pain and swelling, but use them as directed by a doctor.
However, depending on your symptoms and specific circumstances, Dr. Weaver may recommend Remy laser therapy for your Achilles tendinitis.
Your Guide to Remy Laser Therapy
Remy laser therapy is a type of Class IV laser treatment—a non‑invasive, therapeutic application of light energy designed to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation in injured tissues such as the Achilles tendon.
Unlike high‑power surgical lasers, therapeutic lasers—sometimes called low‑level laser therapy or LLLT—don’t cut tissue. Instead, they deliver specific wavelengths of light that penetrate through the skin and are absorbed by cells. In podiatry and sports medicine, devices like the Remy Class IV laser are used to treat a range of conditions, including Achilles tendinitis, plantar fasciitis, and soft‑tissue injuries.
How Remy Laser Therapy Treats Achilles Tendinitis
For some patients, we use Remy Class IV laser therapy to help heal Achilles tendinitis. Here are ways it helps heal Achilles tendinitis and how it works:
- Laser therapy improves circulation. Because laser light enhances blood flow to the Achilles tendon, it increases the delivery of oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells needed for tissue repair.
- Laser therapy reduces inflammation. The laser penetrates deep into the inflamed tendon and surrounding tissue, calming inflammation and easing swelling without damaging the skin.
- Laser therapy accelerates cellular regeneration. Light energy activates fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen production—supporting the growth of healthy tendon fibers and speeding up recovery.
- Laser therapy helps alleviate pain faster. Many patients report reduced pain within just a few sessions, thanks to the laser’s ability to lower inflammatory markers and interrupt pain signals at the cellular level.
Remy laser therapy is especially effective for patients with chronic Achilles tendinopathy or tendon pain that hasn’t responded to rest, stretching, or medication. It offers a powerful, drug-free way to relieve discomfort and support long-term tendon health without surgery.
Central Kansas Podiatry Associates for Your Achilles Tendinitis
When you’ve got leg, foot, and/or ankle pain, you want answers quickly and an accurate diagnosis. Dr. Weaver will give you both and discuss all possible options for helping to restore your foot/ankle health. Using Remy laser therapy may be one of those options. If you have Achilles tendinitis, contact Central Kansas Podiatry Associates for personalized care tailored to your specific condition. Read our testimonials to learn how we’ve helped other patients through the use of Remy laser therapy.