Insoles for Achilles Tendonitis
Achilles Tendonitis and pain at the back of the ankle
Achilles tendonitis is a common condition that causes pain and stiffness at the back of the ankle or heel. The Achilles tendon is the strong band of tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and it plays a vital role in walking, running, and jumping. When this tendon becomes overworked or irritated, everyday movement can quickly become uncomfortable.
What Is Achilles Tendonitis?
Achilles tendonitis develops when the tendon is placed under repeated stress without enough time to recover. This leads to small tears in the tendon, causing inflammation and pain. The condition can come on suddenly or develop gradually over time, especially in people who are active or spend long hours on their feet.
There are two main types: insertional Achilles tendonitis, which affects where the tendon attaches to the heel, and non-insertional Achilles tendonitis, which occurs higher up the tendon.
Common Symptons
People with Achilles tendonitis often experience:
- Pain or stiffness at the back of the heel or ankle
- Tenderness along the tendon
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement
- Swelling or thickening of the tendon
Ignoring these symptoms can increase the risk of more serious injury, such as tendon tears.
What Causes Achilles Tendonitis?
Several factors can contribute to Achilles tendonitis, including:
- Sudden increases in activity or exercise intensity
- Tight calf muscles
- Poor footwear with limited support
- Flat feet or overpronation
- High-impact activities like running or jumping
These factors increase strain on the tendon over time.
How Custom Insoles Can Help With Achilles Tendonitis?
Custom-made insoles can be a valuable part of both treatment and prevention for Achilles tendonitis. Designed specifically for your feet, they help improve alignment and reduce excessive strain on the Achilles tendon.
Custom insoles can support the arch, control overpronation, and slightly reduce tension on the tendon by improving how the foot moves during walking. This helps relieve pain and allows the tendon to heal more effectively. Insoles also provide cushioning to absorb impact, which further reduces stress during everyday activities.
By improving foot mechanics and reducing repetitive strain, custom-made insoles can help prevent Achilles tendonitis from developing in the first place, making them a smart long-term solution for comfort, healing, and injury prevention.
Recommended Custom Insole Specifications
- Foot demands: Heel stability, reduced tendon load
- Typical shoe style: Trainers
- Shoe space required: Medium–high
- Custom insole type: Supportive
- EVA density: Medium
- Insole length: Full length
- Heel cup depth: 20mm
- Extensions: EVA
- Middle layer: 3mm Poron
- Top cover: 1mm EVA
- Design focus: Heel control, load management
General guidance for selecting a custom insole
For Achilles Tendonitis
These are general best-practice guidelines and the most commonly recommended custom insole features. Final prescriptions should always be individualised. We recommend seeking professional advice and guidance where symptoms, medical conditions or complex demands are present.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find clear, helpful answers to common questions about our custom orthotics, fitting process, materials, benefits, care, warranties, and more to support your foot health and comfort.
How do I order bespoke custom-made orthotic insoles?
Simply purchase our Bespoke Insole Kit. We’ll guide you through taking accurate foot impressions at home, then hand-craft your custom insoles in our workshop and post them back to you.
Why do my feet hurt and how can custom-made insoles help?
Your feet hurt due to poor biomechanics, flat arches, or uneven leg length, which strain muscles and joints. Our custom-made insoles correct alignment, support your unique foot shape, relieve pressure, and restore pain-free movement.
How can custom insoles help with sports performance?
Our custom insoles improve sports performance by providing optimal foot alignment, shock absorption, and efficient energy transfer. This reduces fatigue, enhances stability, allowing you to train harder and perform better.
Why does shoe type matter when selecting and using bespoke custom insoles?
Shoe type matters because the right footwear complements your custom insoles. Stable, well-fitting shoes with enough depth ensure optimal support, proper function, and maximum relief from pain and misalignment.
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"Before, my feet hurt while hiking, gardening and caring for the horses and home. After seeing Mark Smith Orthotics, I can walk for longer distances without pain."
Val Bell
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"Before the insoles, I had foot pain from a flat arch in my feet. Now, I am pain-free, and can move without lower back pain and can walk further and faster."
Tom Cartner
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"Mark Smith Orthotics have now become indispensable by correcting my posture, straightening my hips, dramatically reducing pain during daily activities and exercise, and providing surprising relief that has transformed my workflow."
Mark Freeman
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"I chose Mark Smith Orthotics over other options because of his highly professional approach, the time he dedicates, and the excellent quality of his work."
Tayyab Talu
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"I have experienced a significant enhancement in daily comfort, a substantial reduction in pain, and unexpectedly straightforward ease of use, making these custom orthotics indispensable."
N. Douglas
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"Before the insoles, I had foot pain from a flat arch in my feet and sometimes lower back pain because I also had one leg slightly longer than the other. Now, I am pain-free and can walk further and faster!"
Tom Carr
