Does your heel hurt? Is your ankle sore? You might need to check your Achilles tendon.

At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, we care about your foot health. Our doctor, Kris A. DiNucci, is a top foot and ankle surgeon in Scottsdale, AZ. We help people walk better and feel better.

This easy guide will show you how to do an Achilles Tendon Test the right way. You’ll also learn free tips to help your tendon heal fast.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon is a strong band. It connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. You use it to walk, run, or jump.

When this tendon gets hurt, it can swell or feel stiff. It can also tear. A torn tendon can make walking hard.

Each year, over 200,000 Achilles injuries happen in the U.S. Many people don’t know they are hurt until it’s worse.

Top 7 Free Tips to Do an Achilles Tendon Test

Let’s look at seven free and simple ways to check your tendon at home. These tips are not a doctor’s test, but they can help you know if something is wrong.

1. Try the Squeeze Test (Thompson Test)

• Lie on your tummy with your feet hanging off the bed.
• Ask someone to squeeze the back of your calf.

What should happen? Your foot should move or point a little.

If it doesn’t move, you may have a torn tendon. This test is often used by doctors.

2. Do the Tiptoe Test

• Stand up.
• Try to go up on your toes.

Can you do it without pain? If not, your tendon may be weak or hurt.

3. Touch and Feel the Tendon

• Sit down.
• Use your fingers to feel the back of your ankle.

Look for these signs:

• Swelling
• A bump or soft spot
• Pain when touched

4. Look at Your Ankles

Check if one ankle looks bigger than the other. Swelling could mean your tendon is hurt.

5. Watch How You Walk

Walk across the room. Does your heel hurt? Are you limping? If so, your tendon may be inflamed.

6. Rest and See What Happens

Stop running or jumping for a day or two. If pain gets better, it may be a mild tendon injury.

7. Try Ice and Elevation

Put ice on your heel for 15 minutes. Keep your foot up on a pillow. If this helps the pain, you may have tendon swelling.

Signs You Need Help from a Doctor

If your Achilles tendon test shows these signs, see a doctor soon:

• You hear a pop or snap
• You can’t stand on your toes
• Pain won’t go away after a few days
• Your foot feels weak
• Swelling keeps getting worse

These are signs of a torn or very sore tendon. Dr. Kris A. DiNucci can help with tests like ultrasound or MRI. He can make a plan to help your tendon heal.

Why Do Achilles Tendons Get Hurt?

Here are some common causes:

• Playing sports without warming up
• Running too much too soon
• Wearing flat shoes with no support
• Getting older (your tendon gets weaker with age)

A study by the Cleveland Clinic says men over 30 who play sports are more at risk.

How to Keep Your Tendon Healthy

• Stretch your legs before you run or play
• Wear shoes with heel and arch support
• Take breaks when your feet hurt
• Don’t jump or run too hard or too fast
• Rest if you feel pain

These easy steps can stop a small problem from getting worse.

FAQs

Can I fix my tendon with rest and ice?

You can try rest, ice, and stretching for small tendon problems. But a torn tendon needs help from a doctor.

Is the Achilles tendon test safe for kids?

Yes! The tests in this guide are gentle. Kids and adults can do them with help from a grown-up.

How long does a tendon take to heal?

It depends. A small injury may take 4–6 weeks. A full tear can take months or may need surgery.

Conclusion

Your Achilles tendon is a big help when you walk or run. If it hurts, check it with an Achilles tendon test. Use these seven free tips to spot a problem early.

If your foot still hurts, don’t wait. We’re here to help you feel better.

At the Foot and Ankle Center of Arizona, Dr. Kris A. DiNucci and our caring team are ready to help. We offer expert care in a kind and friendly way.

Contact us today through our Contact Us or Request an Appointment pages. Let us help your feet feel great again!