Achilles tendinitis causes pain, stiffness and sometimes swelling in the tendon at the back of the heel, often worst with the first steps in the morning or after running. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the same heel pain can come from different imbalances, such as stuck circulation from overuse, cold and damp in the tendon, damp heat, or underlying Liver and Kidney weakness. Finding your pattern helps us target treatment.
Most people with Achilles pain fit mainly into one of these patterns. Which one sounds most like you?
Achilles Tendonitis: Sharp or tight pain in the tendon, tender to squeeze, worse when starting to move and after exercise.
Achilles Tendonitis: Dull, stiff ache in the tendon, worse in cold or damp weather and eased by warmth.
Achilles Tendonitis: Swollen, warm and painful tendon, worse with heat and after activity.
Achilles Tendonitis: Dull, lingering ache in the tendon that keeps returning, worse with fatigue and long periods of standing.
Not sure which one fits? That’s normal – many people have a mix. At your first consultation we look at your tongue, take your pulse and ask detailed questions to confirm your pattern.
Your treatment plan follows your pattern – the same condition can need quite different treatment.
Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture around the tendon and calf to improve circulation and release tightness, sometimes with cupping on the calf. Many patients notice easier first steps in the morning within a few sessions.
Acupuncture with moxibustion and electro-acupuncture to warm the tendon and clear cold and damp. Many patients feel the heel becomes warmer and less stiff over the first weeks.
Acupuncture and electro-acupuncture to clear heat and reduce swelling, often with herbs; moxa is avoided while the tendon is hot. Many patients notice swelling and heat settle within the first few weeks.
Tonifying acupuncture with moxibustion to strengthen the Liver and Kidneys, which in TCM nourish tendons and bones, often with herbs. Improvement is usually gradual, with the tendon tolerating more activity over several weeks.
For Achilles tendinitis, many patients notice less morning stiffness and pain within the first 2–3 weeks, with more stable results around 2 months.
Most patients start to notice a change within the first two to three weeks of regular treatment.
Improvements become more consistent. If treatment stops as soon as you feel better, the body hasn’t settled yet and symptoms can slip back to where they started.
Continuing a little longer after you improve lets the new balance hold. Stopping at this point, symptoms are much less likely to return.
We space sessions out and finish. You won’t need to rely on treatment forever.
Every case is different: some conditions are stable within 1–2 months, longer-standing ones can take up to around 6 months. We’ll give you a realistic estimate at your first consultation.
I had acupuncture and cupping with Emma, and she truly worked wonders on my back and neck. I came in barely able to turn my head, and now I feel so much better relaxed, pain-free, and mobile again. I’d had a bad experience elsewhere before, but Emma completely turned things around. Highly recommend!
I am very satisfied with the herbal remedies for perimenopause. I don't have hot flashes after the medication. And electric acupuncture soothes my plantar fascists on both feet. The capsules for bowel movement are working very well.
The staff specially Yao meng did an excellent job. In addition she is very kind and explain to the patients what to expect. Thank you very much.
I highly recommend Acupro. They are very professional and take the time to tailor your treatment for you.
Book an initial assessment with our experienced TCM practitioners — online in under two minutes, or message us on WhatsApp.