Non-surgical foot & ankle care · New York City
Achilles Tendon Treatment
Non-surgical care for Achilles pain and morning heel stiffness, with a plan to get you back to activity.
Board-certified
Foot surgery, ABPS
24 years
Private practice
4.96 ★ on ZocDoc
2,618 verified reviews
Conservative
Patient-first care
Our specialized treatments
Achilles Tendon Pain
The Achilles is the thick cord running from your calf muscle down to your heel bone, and it takes the load every time you push off. When it is overworked it becomes irritated and thickened, and the first sign is usually stiffness in the back of the heel for the first few steps in the morning.
Achilles pain rarely settles on its own once it has taken hold. Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. provides non-surgical care and a recovery plan to get you back to activity.
The Achilles runs from the calf muscles down to the heel bone. Pain, swelling and stiffness show up either in the mid-portion of the tendon or where it inserts into the heel.
When to seek care
Stiffness or pain at the back of the heel first thing in the morning
A tender, thickened area you can feel in the tendon
Swelling or a bump where the tendon meets the heel bone
Pain that has been building for weeks rather than days
Common causes
A sudden increase in running, walking, or training
Tight calf muscles pulling on the tendon
Flat feet or other mechanics that change the load
Long hours on hard city pavement
Flat, unsupportive shoes worn day after day
Achilles pain usually settles either at the heel bone where the tendon attaches, or a few centimeters higher in the tendon itself. The two behave differently.
Where the Pain Sits Matters
Pain in the middle of the tendon and pain right at its attachment to the heel bone are not the same problem, and they do not respond to the same things. Stretches that help one can aggravate the other.
That is why it is worth having the tendon examined rather than working from general advice. Knowing which one you have changes what is worth doing and what to leave alone.
How We Treat Achilles Pain
Comprehensive care for heel-related conditions
Non-surgical solutions to relieve pain and restore foot function
Individually crafted orthotic devices to support and enhance foot mechanics
Personalized recovery plans for a swift and effective return to activity
Conservative, patient-first care throughout
Raising the heel slightly shortens the distance the tendon has to cover, which takes some of the pull off it while the irritation settles.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Getting seen
Same-week appointments are usually available, and most major insurance is accepted.
Understanding your options
Non-surgical first. Dr. Melamed explains what is going on with your tendon and what your options are.
A second opinion, if you need one
Told surgery is your only option? A second opinion is worth the visit.
Appointments and insurance
We accept most major plans, including Aetna, Cigna, United Healthcare, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare, Oxford Health Plans, and GHI / EmblemHealth. Don’t see yours? Call 212-228-5230 and we’ll check.
Explore every option before surgery. Dr. Melamed has spent 20+ years keeping New Yorkers out of the operating room. A conservative second opinion is worth the visit. Get a Second Opinion or call 212-228-5230
Common Questions
Achilles Pain, Answered
Why is it worst first thing in the morning?
The tendon tightens overnight while you are still, and those first steps stretch it cold. It typically eases as you move, then returns once you stop.
Should I keep running or training through it?
Pushing through usually turns a few sore weeks into a few sore months. It does not always mean stopping completely, but the load needs to come down, so get it looked at first.
Is stretching good for it?
It depends where the pain is. Calf stretching can help pain in the middle of the tendon but aggravate pain right at the heel bone, which is why it is worth having examined rather than following general advice.
Could my flat feet be causing it?
Foot mechanics change how the tendon is loaded, so they can certainly contribute, and individually crafted orthotic devices can help. See our Flat Feet page.
How do I book an appointment?
Send an appointment request through the form on this page, or call 212-228-5230. Dr. Melamed also takes bookings through ZocDoc.
When is Achilles pain urgent?
A sudden sharp pain at the back of the ankle during activity, often described as feeling like being kicked, along with difficulty pushing off or standing on tiptoe, needs to be assessed promptly rather than waited out.
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A better life starts with healthy feet.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Scott Melamed, D.P.M. in New York City.
What our patients say
Verified reviews from our patients on ZocDoc.
Sean K.
★★★★★
Bunny H.
★★★★★
Rita W.
★★★★★