Other factors associated with achilles tendinitis are recent changes in footwear and changes in training schedules. Often long distance runners will have symptoms of achilles tendinitis after increasing their mileage or increasing the amount of hill training they are doing. As people age, tendons, like other tissues in the body, become less flexible, more rigid, and more susceptible to injury. The main complaint associated with achilles tendinitis is pain over the back of the heel. This is the point where the achilles tendon inserts on the heel bone.
Patients usually experience the most significant pain after periods of inactivity.
Therefore patients experience pain most often after first walking in the morning and when getting up after sitting for long periods of time. Patients will also experience pain while participating in activities, such as when running or jumping. The pain associated with exercise is most significant when pushing off or jumping. Diagnosis of achilles tendinitis is by history and clinical examination. The symptoms associated with this condition are typical and can be elicited by a thorough history.