How to relieve Achilles tendon pain when playing basketball

Generally, Achilles tendon pain during basketball may result from insufficient warm-up leading to muscle tension, overuse due to excessive exercise intensity, Achilles tendinitis, retrocalcaneal bursitis, or partial Achilles tendon tear. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve symptoms under a doctor's guidance through conservative treatments, medications, and other methods. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Insufficient warm-up and muscle tension: Failure to adequately warm up before playing basketball leaves the Achilles tendon and surrounding muscles stiff, making them prone to pain when sudden force is applied. Performing 10–15 minutes of targeted warm-up exercises—such as toe raises and lunge stretches—before activity helps the Achilles tendon gradually adapt to physical demands and reduces the risk of pain.

2. Overuse injury due to excessive exercise intensity: Prolonged basketball play or sudden increases in duration or frequency can lead to repetitive stress on the Achilles tendon, causing strain and pain. Reduce exercise duration and frequency; after activity, soak feet in warm water for 10 minutes and gently massage the Achilles area to relieve muscle tension.

3. Achilles tendinitis: Repetitive friction or pulling on the Achilles tendon causes aseptic inflammation, resulting in noticeable pain during basketball play, which typically improves with rest. Patients should follow medical advice to take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium enteric-coated tablets, or celecoxib capsules. Wearing an Achilles tendon brace can also help reduce tendon loading.

4. Retrocalcaneal bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa between the Achilles tendon and heel bone caused by repeated friction leads to increased pain during basketball and possible local swelling. Under medical guidance, patients may use medications such as etoricoxib tablets, meloxicam tablets, or loxoprofen sodium tablets to alleviate pain, and apply cold compresses locally to reduce swelling.

5. Partial Achilles tendon tear: Sudden movements like jumping or rapid stops during basketball can cause a partial tear of the Achilles tendon, resulting in severe pain and limited mobility. Activity should be stopped immediately. Follow medical advice to take blood-circulating and analgesic medications such as Huoxue Zhitong Capsules, Yunnan Baiyao Capsules, or Sanqi Injury Pills to promote healing. In severe cases, surgical repair may be required to suture the torn tendon tissue and restore function.

When playing basketball regularly, choose appropriate basketball shoes that provide sufficient ankle support. Avoid playing on excessively hard surfaces. After exercise, perform proper Achilles tendon stretching exercises—such as wall-assisted lunges—to maintain tendon flexibility and reduce the risk of recurrent pain.