Q. How can I tell whether it is Achilles tendinitis?

• The area around the Achilles tendon feels hot and swells
• There is pain before and after exercise and a feeling of stiffness
• There is a sound each time the ankle moves
• The Achilles tendon area hurts when running or jumping
• Pressing 2 to 6 cm above the heel produces pain

It is common in athletes, but also arises often in people who work standing for long periods. It can come from walking hard without warming up, or from friction against the back of a shoe, and it also appears where the arch is high or the heel is deformed.