Pain and stiffness at the back of the heel or lower calf — especially with your first steps or after activity — often points to Achilles tendonitis. At Kim Holistic Foot & Ankle Center, we’ve provided Achilles tendonitis treatment in Long Beach for more than 35 years, calming the irritation and rebuilding the tendon’s strength so you can get back to moving comfortably. Call (562) 426-2551 or book an appointment online.
The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and takes a heavy load with every step. When it’s overused or strained, it becomes irritated and inflamed — causing pain, stiffness, and sometimes swelling at the back of the ankle. Common contributors include:
For more background, the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons has a helpful overview of Achilles tendon disorders. You can also read our article on back-of-the-heel pain and Achilles tendonitis.
Your first visit includes a hands-on exam and, when needed, imaging — to tell simple tendonitis from a partial tear or other cause of heel pain, since each is managed differently.
Most cases improve without surgery. Depending on your exam, your plan may include activity modification, a structured calf and eccentric-strengthening routine, stretching, supportive footwear or a heel lift, custom orthotics, and anti-inflammatory strategies — progressing at a pace that rebuilds the tendon rather than re-irritating it.
For pain that lingers despite months of consistent care, we’ll discuss additional options — including our structured medical treatments — and help you weigh them honestly before anything more invasive is considered.
We’re located at 701 E 28th St #111, Long Beach, CA 90806 — serving Long Beach, Signal Hill, Lakewood, Carson, and surrounding communities. Office hours: Mon 9:00 AM–12:30 PM & 2:00–5:30 PM; Tue–Wed 9:15 AM–12:30 PM & 2:00–5:30 PM; Thu 9:15 AM–12:30 PM & 2:30–5:30 PM. Closed Fridays except the third Friday of each month; closed weekends.
Many cases improve over several weeks to a few months with consistent care and gradual strengthening. Rushing back to activity too soon is the most common reason it lingers, so a paced plan matters.
Usually you don’t have to stop entirely, but high-impact activity often needs to be reduced while the tendon settles. We’ll help you find activities that keep you moving without setting back your recovery.
Early on, easing high-impact activity, gentle calf stretching, supportive shoes or a heel lift, and anti-inflammatory strategies tend to help most. A podiatrist can tailor these to your tendon.
If pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps returning, or limits your activity — and promptly if you felt a sudden “pop,” have severe pain, or can’t push off your foot, which can signal a tear.
Call (562) 426-2551 or request an appointment at our Long Beach office. One visit is usually all it takes to understand what’s straining your Achilles — and how to treat it.