Real Results: 10+ Years of Foot Pain Relieved with a Personalised Biomechanics Treatment Plan
I see many patients who have been living with pain for years. Some have waited decades before seeking proper help. One such case is a female patient in her 50s who came to the clinic with pain in her left Achilles tendon. The pain followed an injury from over 10 years ago. She had tried painkillers and different shoes but never received any real treatment—until now.
The Patient’s Story
This patient recalled a “twang” in her left Achilles while skipping during a PE course. Over the years, the pain flared up now and then. It affected how she walked, went up stairs, and managed daily tasks. On bad days, the pain was 8/10. It wasn’t sharp enough to stop her completely, but it did reduce her quality of life. She finally decided to get help.
She was limping due to ankle instability rather than sharp pain and had been relying on elasticated ankle supports and insoles from the high street. But the problem persisted.
Initial Biomechanics Assessment
After listening to her concerns, I conducted a thorough biomechanics assessment.
Using a combination of clinical tools such as the Phits Footscan, 3D scanning technology and an EasyForce Dynamometer (https://www.gmtembed.com), her foot was mapped for foot posture, tendon loading patterns, and muscular strength.
The biomechanics assessment revealed several contributing factors:
- Chronic non-insertional left Achilles tendinopathy (with signs of tendon calcification)
- Muscle imbalances and weaknesses that had contributed to continuous tendon overload.
- High arches (pes cavus) contributing to midfoot stiffness
- Limited ankle range of motion, especially on the left
- Bilateral Haglund’s deformity
- Subtle overloading around the extensor digitorum brevis
- No swelling, but clear pain on palpation and resistance testing
Additionally, I discovered a subtle leg length discrepancy. There was no structural difference observed in a seated position. However, standing analysis showed the right hip tilting slightly forward. Comfort testing using different block heights revealed the right leg adjusted well with a 6mm elevation. The same elevation on the left, however, felt excessive and unstable. This finding helped design her custom orthotics, incorporating a slight elevation on the right to improve functional limb balance and enhance gait efficiency.
A Multi-Modal Treatment Plan: Where Biomechanics Shines
Tendon rehabilitation isn’t about rest alone—especially with chronic cases. It requires a careful blend of mechanical stimulation, muscle re-education, and load progression.
To visually capture the stages of the patient’s recovery, I created a timeline graphic that outlines key milestones over the course of her treatment. From the initial biomechanical assessment to the final follow-up session, this visual summary helps illustrate how targeted therapy and consistent review led to a successful outcome.
Here’s how this tendon issue was approached:
Week 1: Restore Mobility & Calm Irritation
- A course of shockwave therapy using a Storz Medical device (https://www.vennhealthcare.com/patient-success/) to stimulate healing and promote collagen remodelling within the Achilles tendon.
- MLS Class IV Therapeutic Laser using the Mphi75 device to reduce inflammation and improve tissue repair, targeted at both the Achilles and the surrounding muscle groups.
- Isometric resistance band exercises to gently activate the ankle stabilisers and start regaining strength.
- A supervised strengthening and stretching programme to restore tendon capacity and functional movement.
- Gentle wall stretches to help loosen the calf muscles and improve ankle dorsiflexion.
Week 2: Joint Mobilisation & Controlled Load
- Ankle joint manipulations targeting the subtalar joint, cuboid, and talocrural joint to reduce stiffness and improve motion.
- Continued shockwave and laser therapy to the Achilles and calf muscles.
- Reassessment of technique and loading during exercises—adjusted for better tendon tolerance.
Week 3: Functional Strengthening Begins
- Introduced single-leg calf raises on heel drops to target eccentric tendon loading.
- Progressed to heavier resistance bands for inversion/eversion exercises.
- Maintained joint manipulations and laser sessions to support healing through each strength-building phase.
- Bespoke Phits orthotics fitted (https://www.gmtembed.com). Pain reduced to 5/10. Patient introduced to specific isometric and eccentric loading exercises for the Achilles.
Week 4 – 6: Adjustments Based on Feedback
- Sharp pain was reported near the medial side of the ankle—possibly the posterior tibial tendon or nerve.
- Removed shockwave therapy for the session to allow tissues to settle.
- Targeted laser therapy over sensitive trigger points, the gastrocnemius, and sinus tarsi to modulate pain and tissue sensitivity.
- Advised to mix resistance bands (green + red) to increase challenge without overloading.
- Ongoing therapy sessions and monitored exercises. Pain down to 2–3/10. Phits orthotics provide added support during daily activity. Improved muscle engagement and calf strength (https://www.gmtembed.com).
What Happened Next?
By the eighth consultation, the patient reported:
- No pain in the Achilles tendon itself.
- Significantly reduced discomfort during daily activities.
- Better ankle stability.
- Ongoing ability to perform exercises without flare-ups.
- Review confirms excellent progress. She was advised to continue with ankle and Achilles loading and strengthening exercises. The effort level was advised to maintain at 7/10 (with 0=no effort and 10= maximum effort) and increase resistance with progression to continue improving tendon strength and stability.
Her tendon is rebuilding strength—safely and gradually—using a structured, biomechanically-sound approach. She was walking pain-free most days and engaging in low-impact physical activity.
Patient Testimonial
“Having had an ongoing problem for 10+ years, a course of shock wave and laser therapy as well as bespoke orthotics seem to have resolved my issues. Very impressed with results so far – would recommend!”
The patient’s husband also commented:
“My wife has just completed a course of shock wave and laser therapy and we are both very impressed with the results. Her ongoing tendon issue seems to have been rectified after 10+ years of pain. A previously unidentified issue has been treated thanks to a detailed biomechanical assessment and a pair of bespoke orthotics. Both the service and attention to detail during the assessment stage and personalised treatment plan has been exemplary. The aftercare service offers peace of mind and we would fully recommend the services offered by Annia at Quantum.”
In Her Own Words
To offer a deeper understanding of this recovery journey, I carried out a short interview with the patient. The questions focused on her experience with pain, the treatment process, and how her daily life has changed since completing therapy. This conversation adds a personal voice to the clinical details already shared. It shows how tailored care can make a meaningful difference in real life. Her insights help others relate to the process and consider whether a similar approach could help them too.
Q: What first made you decide to seek help after all these years of pain?
A: ” I was tired of the pain and limping!“
After enduring discomfort for over a decade, she reached a breaking point. The ongoing pain and changes in how she walked had taken a toll on her daily life and confidence. It was no longer something she could brush aside—she knew it was time to seek proper help.
Q: How did the pain affect your everyday life before treatment?
A: “At times, mobility was significantly impacted, making walking difficult.”
The pain would often flare up during normal activities, especially walking. Simple tasks like going up stairs or moving around the house became a challenge. On bad days, she felt restricted and cautious with each step. It wasn’t just a physical strain—it chipped away at her independence too.
Q: Had you tried any treatments before coming to Quantum Footcare?
A: “No, I didn’t”
Like many people living with long-term issues, she had adapted to the pain rather than addressing it. This was her first time receiving a full, targeted treatment plan. Until then, she had never had access to a proper diagnosis or solution.
Q: What was your experience of the biomechanics assessment like?
A: “It was very detailed—I’d never had anything like that before. The assessment was thorough and informative.“
She was impressed by the level of detail in the assessment. The process wasn’t rushed or surface-level. Instead, it looked at her full movement pattern, from pressure points in the feet to muscle strength and joint alignment. It gave her clarity about the root cause of her pain.
Q: Were you surprised to learn about the leg length discrepancy?
A: “I had suspicions due to family trait so I wasn’t surprised.”
She had always wondered if something like this might be contributing to her pain. With a known family history, the discovery confirmed her instincts. The fact that such a small difference could make such a big impact on movement made perfect sense once it was explained.
Q: What part of the treatment do you feel helped you the most?
A: “The most noticeable was, I think, the laser therapy, the pain relief was rapidly evident.“
Although she felt the benefits of laser therapy early on, she believes the success came from the combined approach. Shockwave therapy helped stimulate the tendon healing, while manipulation therapy and a tailored exercise programme targeted muscle imbalances. This combination of treatments made a big difference in her recovery and gave lasting results.
Q: How do you feel now compared to before treatment?
A: “Since the end of the treatment, I have had over a year without the reoccurrence of any symptoms on this foot.”
For the first time in over ten years, she has gone more than a year without a return of the tendon pain. She can move freely again, enjoy everyday tasks, and trust her foot. The long-standing discomfort that once disrupted her life is no longer holding her back.
Q: Would you recommend this kind of treatment to others with long-standing pain?
A: “Absolutely. I wish I’d done it sooner.”
She strongly believes that anyone struggling with chronic tendon pain should consider a full biomechanical approach. For her, it not only brought relief—it brought lasting change.
The Takeaway: Biomechanics is More Than Just Insoles
This case highlights why tendon injuries, especially chronic ones, need more than passive rest or generic advice. Understanding how a patient moves, how load is distributed across their feet and ankles, and how their muscles perform under resistance—all of these are key.
This case is a powerful reminder that chronic Achilles tendon pain can often be resolved when the underlying cause is properly identified and addressed with a structured and personalised treatment approach. If you are dealing with long-term pain or mobility issues, a full assessment and combination therapy could make all the difference.
Learn More About Biomechanics at Quantum Footcare
Curious about what a biomechanics assessment involves and how it could help you?
From gait analysis to muscle strength testing and plantar pressure scanning, it is a crucial first step in understanding the root cause of many chronic conditions. Understanding the root cause of pain often begins with a detailed biomechanics assessment. This was a crucial turning point in the patient’s recovery—from identifying a leg length discrepancy to correcting gait imbalances through custom orthotics.
📖 Read our blog post all about it here – including what to expect, the technology I use, and how it can support long-term recovery and performance.
The patient’s name has been excluded to maintain confidentiality and comply with data protection standards. While this chronic Achilles case resolved within nine weeks, it’s important to note that every healing journey is unique. Recovery timelines vary and depend on several individual factors including severity, commitment to treatment, and lifestyle.