Achilles Tendon Injury in Seoul, Korea: Walk, Run, and Train Without Persistent Heel Pain

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English-speaking achilles tendon injury care made easy at one trusted clinic in Seoul. Discover Nucellin’s doctor-supervised, image-guided procedures, transparent pricing, and real patient results—all in one place.

Welcome International Patients
Achilles pain can sideline daily life and sport. At Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic (Yongsan, Seoul), Dr. Kim Hee-Jun offers doctor-supervised, English-friendly care for Achilles tendinopathy and partial tears—prioritizing effective, non-surgical recovery plans.

What Is an Achilles Tendon Injury?

Most cases are Achilles tendinopathy (mid-portion or insertional): collagen fibers become overloaded and painful, often from sudden training changes, calf weakness, poor mechanics, or footwear issues. Less commonly, there’s a partial tear. With accurate diagnosis and structured loading, many patients recover without surgery.

Common Symptoms We Treat

  • Morning stiffness around the back of the heel or lower calf
  • Pain with walking, stairs, running, or jumping
  • Localized tenderness or thickening along the tendon
  • Pain at the calcaneal insertion (with or without a bone spur)
  • Tight calves and decreased ankle dorsiflexion

How We Diagnose

  • Focused orthopedic and gait/movement exam
  • Bedside ultrasound to assess tendon thickness, neovascularity, and focal defects
  • MRI reserved for atypical cases, suspected partial tears, or surgical planning

Non-Surgical Treatment Plan (First-Line)

Active Rehab (cornerstone)

  • Eccentric/slow-tempo calf loading (e.g., Alfredson-style progressions) tailored to mid-portion vs insertional tendinopathy
  • Progressive strengthening: isometrics → heavy-slow resistance → plyometric readiness
  • Mobility: calf/ankle flexibility, posterior chain, hip stability
  • Load management: adjust run volume, surfaces, inclines, plyos; introduce cross-training

Adjuncts (case-by-case)

  • Heel lifts/insoles, footwear guidance (stack, rocker, drop)
  • Shockwave therapy (ESWT) for chronic cases to stimulate remodeling
  • Taping/bracing or night splints when indicated
  • Local modalities for symptom control; education on pacing and recovery

Image-Guided Procedures (when pain blocks progress)

  • Ultrasound-guided peritendinous steroid for short-term inflammation control (not intratendinous)
  • PRP for selected chronic tendinopathy after shared decision-making
  • Hydrodissection for adhesions around the tendon sheath in select cases

When Surgery Is Considered

  • Persistent pain and dysfunction after comprehensive non-surgical care
  • Confirmed significant partial tear or failed remodeling
    We coordinate surgical referral and manage prehab/rehab phases.

Why Choose Nucellin & Dr. Kim

  • Orthopedic specialist oversight for every evaluation and procedure
  • Ultrasound-guided precision when injections are needed
  • English-speaking team with clear plans, written aftercare, and easy communication
  • Transparent pricing and itemized receipts for potential reimbursement
  • Travel-smart scheduling for expats and medical tourists

What to Expect

  1. Consult & Imaging Review – Bring prior MRI/US if available
  2. Personalized Plan – Diagnosis (mid-portion vs insertional) and staged loading roadmap
  3. Treatment Phase – Rehab first; add ESWT/PRP or guided injections if indicated
  4. Return to Activity – Graduated walk-run and sport criteria; relapse prevention
  5. Follow-Up – In-clinic or remote check-ins to track progress and adjust load

FAQs (Quick)

  • How long to recover? Many improve in 6–12 weeks with consistent loading; chronic cases may need longer.
  • Can I keep training? Usually yes with modified load (pace, hills, volume) and a structured plan.
  • Will I need injections? Only if pain blocks rehab; options are discussed after exam.
  • Do heel lifts help? Often in the short term, especially for insertional pain—your plan will specify when to taper.

Pricing & Booking

We provide upfront estimates and itemized receipts (check your policy for reimbursement).

Ready to fix Achilles pain at its source?
Book an Achilles tendon evaluation with Dr. Kim Hee-Jun at Nucellin Orthopedic Clinic, Seoul for a clear, English-friendly plan.