Can I Still Exercise with Achilles Tendonitis?

If you’ve been told you have Achilles tendonitis, one of your first questions is probably: “Can I still exercise?” The short answer is – yes, but with care.

Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes pain and inflammation in the thick tendon at the back of your ankle. It’s common in runners, walkers, and anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet. Keep pushing through the wrong kind of exercise, though, and you could make the injury worse – or even risk a rupture.

Understanding the Injury

Your Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. It plays a huge role in walking, running, jumping, and standing on tiptoe. When it’s irritated or inflamed, even small movements can be uncomfortable.

The key to exercising safely is choosing activities that keep you moving without putting too much strain on the tendon.

Safe Ways to Stay Active

If your Achilles pain is mild and you’ve been cleared to move by a healthcare professional, try:

• Low-impact cardio – Swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine reduce the load on your tendon.

• Gentle stretching – Calf stretches and ankle mobility exercises can help maintain flexibility.

• Strength training – Focus on your hips, core, and upper body to keep overall fitness while your Achilles recovers.

What to Avoid

Skip high-impact activities until your tendon has healed. This means:

• Running, especially uphill or on hard surfaces

• Jumping exercises or plyometrics

• Sprinting or sudden bursts of speed

• Wearing unsupportive shoes during activity

Rehab and Recovery

At Prime Foot Clinic, we use a combination of biomechanical assessment, custom orthotics, shockwave therapy, and tailored exercise plans to help patients recover from Achilles tendonitis. We can guide you on which exercises are safe at each stage of healing so you can stay active without causing more damage.

Listen to Your Body

If your Achilles pain gets worse during or after exercise, it’s a sign to stop and seek advice. The earlier you treat the problem, the quicker – and safer – your return to full activity will be.

Need help getting back on your feet?
Book an appointment at our Ramsbottom, Prestwich, or Denton clinic and let’s create a recovery plan that keeps you moving.