Conditions We Treat
Achilles tendinopathy is the runner's tax for ramping mileage too fast. The pain pattern is classic: stiff and painful in the morning, eases as you warm up, comes back with running or after sitting. The treatment story is well-established now — heavy slow loading. Stretching alone doesn't fix it; rest alone doesn't fix it.
Mid-portion Achilles tendinopathy (2–6 cm above the heel) and insertional Achilles tendinopathy (at the heel bone) respond to slightly different loading protocols. We distinguish on exam and tailor the program — insertional cases need more cautious early ankle dorsiflexion.
Volume jumps that violate the 10% rule, hill running on hills you don't usually run, surface or shoe changes, calf weakness, and chronic low-grade loading without recovery. Diabetes and certain antibiotics (fluoroquinolones) raise risk.
Heavy slow calf raises — the single best-supported intervention. Both eccentric and isometric loading have strong evidence. Manual therapy for the calf and ankle. Dry needling for stubborn calf trigger points. Activity modification (cut volume, not eliminate). Footwear and load-monitoring guidance.
Typical resolution 8–12 weeks for moderate cases, longer for chronic. The loading work has to be consistent — three sessions per week minimum — and the program progresses over months, not weeks.
Medicare, CareFirst, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Tricare. Self-pay $150. Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home.
Same-week evaluations at Capitol Hill, Bethesda, and in-home throughout the DMV.
Book an Achilles PT EvalUsually yes, with volume modification. Total rest typically prolongs Achilles tendinopathy. We help you cut intelligently and load appropriately.
Generally no for the Achilles tendon — increases rupture risk. PRP and other biologics have a mixed evidence profile and aren't first-line.
Not by themselves. Loading is the primary intervention. Stretching can be useful but it's a supporting cast member, not the lead.
Moderate cases: 8–12 weeks with consistent loading. Chronic cases (over 6 months of symptoms): 4–6 months. Rushing it back is the most common reason for setbacks.
Not if you keep the calf strong and respect training progression rules. Most reinjuries are training-error reinjuries, not tissue weaknesses.