Achilles Tendinitis

Wearing high heels keeps the calf muscles and Achilles tendons in a state of chronic shortening, reducing flexibility, and places an excessive stretching load when walking suddenly on flat ground after wearing them. On the other hand, shoes with soles that are too thin lack shock absorption, causing repetitive irritation to the tendons. Cushioned shoes with heel cups or the insertion of heel pads are helpful during the recovery period, while walking barefoot or wearing slippers should be avoided during the acute phase. From a Korean medicine perspective, the aggravation of Achilles tendinitis caused by footwear is also linked to wind, cold, and dampness invading the joints and meridians. Hard, non-breathable shoes cause cold and dampness to stagnate in the meridians around the feet, hindering the circulation of Qi and blood. When cold and dampness accumulate around the heel, the tendon stiffens and inflammation develops easily. At Dongjedang, we manage daily triggering factors by combining treatment with shoe selection, support pads, and stretching guidance.