Skip to main content
$49Chiropractic first visit$75Shockwave first visitSame day appointmentsOceanside + Carlsbad
Tendon

Achilles Tendonitis Treatment in Oceanside & Carlsbad

Updated October 11, 2026

Achilles tendinopathy is pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the ankle, usually from repeated overload.

Runner holding the back of the ankle on a beach boardwalk

Quick answer

Can a chiropractor help achilles Tendinopathy?

Achilles tendonitis treatment in Oceanside and Carlsbad combines shockwave therapy with tendon loading exercises for stubborn heel cord pain. Achilles tendinopathy is pain and stiffness in the tendon at the back of the ankle, usually from repeated overload. New patients start with the $75 special: consultation, exam and first treatment in Oceanside or Carlsbad.

  • New patient offer

    $75

  • First visit

    About 45 to 60 minutes

  • Offices

    Oceanside + Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch)

  • Insurance

    PI and MedPay accepted. Most health plans not accepted.

Tendon

Achilles Tendinopathy

Achilles pain is common in runners, walkers and people who are on their feet all day. It often feels worst with the first steps in the morning or at the start of activity.

When tendon pain has not settled with rest, stretching and ice, shockwave therapy paired with a progressive loading plan is a common next step.

Is this you?

Common signs of Achilles tendinopathy

  • Pain at the back of the ankle or heel
  • Morning stiffness in the heel cord
  • Pain at the start of a run or walk
  • Tenderness when squeezing the tendon
  • Thickening or a tender lump in the tendon

New patient special

Shockwave first visit.Just $75.

Pick your first visit at our Oceanside or Carlsbad office. Same-day appointments most weekdays.

Chiropractic first visit

$49

  • Consultation
  • Full exam and movement screen
  • First chiropractic treatment
Claim my $49 visit

New patients only. Same-day first treatment when appropriate. Personal injury and auto accident claims are billed on lien instead. Available at both offices. See details

Causes

What causes Achilles tendinopathy

The tendon becomes irritated when load rises faster than it can adapt, such as a jump in running mileage, hill work or a change in shoes.

  • Sudden increase in training

  • Hill or speed work

  • Tight or weak calf muscles

  • Footwear changes

Risk factors

Risk factors

  • Running and court sports
  • Age 30 to 60
  • Calf weakness
  • Long hours standing
  • Prior tendon pain

Diagnosis

How we evaluate Achilles pain

Your exam checks the tendon, calf strength, ankle motion and how you move. We refer for imaging when a tear is suspected.

Your first visit

What your first visitlooks like.

  1. Pacific Spine & Rehab logo wall in the Carlsbad office lobby

    Consult

    We review your history and goals before any hands-on work.

  2. Dr. Anthony Salmon, DC examining a patient's neck and shoulders in Carlsbad

    Exam

    Posture, range of motion, joint mechanics and orthopedic or neurological tests.

  3. Dr. Aram Proudman adjusting a patient’s lower back and hip at Pacific Spine & Rehab

    First treatment

    When the exam clears you, your first treatment happens the same visit.

Before you arrive

When to get seen

When to get seen right away

Some Achilles injuries need urgent medical care.

Seek urgent evaluation if you have any of these:

  • A sudden pop or snap at the back of the ankle
  • Inability to push off or rise onto your toes
  • Severe swelling or bruising after an injury
  • Calf pain with swelling, warmth or redness

Treatment

Treatment options

Care pairs shockwave therapy with a tendon loading plan.

Shockwave therapy

Focused acoustic waves for tendon pain that has stalled with rest and stretching.

Learn more

Rehab therapy

Progressive calf and tendon loading to rebuild capacity.

Learn more

Corrective exercise

Ankle, hip and running mechanics work to reduce strain.

Learn more

Prevention

Habits that help

Tips

  • Increase training load gradually
  • Keep calf strength work in your routine
  • Rotate running shoes
  • Warm up before speed or hill work

Your doctors

Doctors ateach office.

Oceanside

  • Dr. Derek PotvinDoctor of Chiropractic — Oceanside & CarlsbadView profile
  • Dr. Aram ProudmanDoctor of Chiropractic — Oceanside & CarlsbadView profile

Carlsbad (Bressi Ranch)

  • Dr. Evan HamiltonDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad / Bressi RanchView profile
  • Dr. Derek PotvinDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad & OceansideView profile
  • Dr. Anthony SalmonDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad / Bressi RanchView profile
  • Dr. Aram ProudmanDoctor of Chiropractic — Carlsbad & OceansideView profile

FAQ

Questions about achilles tendinopathy

Does shockwave therapy help Achilles tendonitis?

Shockwave therapy is commonly used for chronic Achilles tendon pain that has not improved with rest and stretching. Your exam tells us whether it fits your case.

How much does shockwave cost for Achilles pain?

New patients can start with the $75 shockwave special: consultation, exam and first shockwave therapy treatment.

Can I keep running during treatment?

Often, at a reduced load. Your provider will tell you what to modify on the first visit.

What are common symptoms of achilles tendinopathy?

Common symptoms include: pain at the back of the ankle or heel; morning stiffness in the heel cord; pain at the start of a run or walk; tenderness when squeezing the tendon, and thickening or a tender lump in the tendon.

When should I get achilles tendinopathy checked urgently?

Seek urgent evaluation if you have: a sudden pop or snap at the back of the ankle; inability to push off or rise onto your toes; severe swelling or bruising after an injury, and calf pain with swelling, warmth or redness.

How can I help prevent achilles tendinopathy?

These habits help: increase training load gradually; keep calf strength work in your routine; rotate running shoes, and warm up before speed or hill work.

Can the doctor review imaging I already have?

Yes. Bring recent imaging on a disc, a portal link, or your phone. A photo of the report is also useful.

How much time should I allow?

Allow about 45 to 60 minutes for the first visit. Completing intake forms beforehand leaves more time for your history and exam.

Which payment information should I confirm?

Ask the office to check your specific MedPay or personal injury claim. Pacific Spine & Rehab does not participate with most health plans.

Tendon

Get a clear plan for your achilles tendinopathy

New-patient visit includes exam, diagnosis, and a written treatment plan — same-day appointments most weekdays at our Oceanside and Carlsbad offices.