Achilles Tendonitis
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Achilles Tendonitis Remedies

| Modified on Nov 05, 2022
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Achilles Tendonitis treatment includes massage and icing, but natural remedies like Vitamin E oil and Castor Oil can help the pain associated with Achilles Tendon pain. Most common in runners, Achilles tendonitis is a condition that affects the band of tissue connecting the calf and the heel. When overworked, this tendon becomes strained and can cause significant discomfort. Most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be effectively treated using self-care strategies and home cures.

What is Achilles Tendonitis?

An overuse injury, Achilles tendonitis is characterized by tenderness and pain in the Achilles tendon. The pain associated with the condition often begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg that may progress to episodes of severe pain during excessive physical exertion. Tenderness and stiffness are also common, particularly in the morning.

Self-Care Remedies for Injuries to the Achilles Tendon

While Achilles tendonitis often causes subtle to intense pain, most cases can be treated at home. Methods of treatment range from self-massage to topical applications and supplements. Castor oil, vitamin E oil and turmeric are natural treatment options that relieve pain and reduce inflammation.

Castor Oil

A plant-based oil, castor oil is used for treating a number of ailments. The oil is a triglyceride comprised of nearly 90 percent ricinoleic acid, an anti-inflammatory agent. As such, when applied to the site of pain, castor oil relieves pain and minimizes inflammation of the tendon.

Vitamin E Oil

Vitamin E oil is considered a fat-soluble antioxidant. As such, this nutritional substance removes any free radicals from the body that may be contributing to pain. The oil also supports circulatory function, which helps to relieve soreness and inflammation.

Turmeric

Turmeric is a common spice used for a variety of health purposes. The spice contains a chemical compound known as curcumin that serves as an anti-inflammatory. Turmeric can be taken as a supplement by mouth or mixed into a poultice and applied to the injury site to relieve pain, restore circulation and reduce swelling.

An injury typically caused by overuse, Achilles tendonitis typically responds well to self-care techniques and strategies. Resting the affected leg as well as massaging the area help stimulate blood flow to the area. Likewise, nutritional applications including castor oil, vitamin E oil, turmeric and others reduce inflammation and pain.

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
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Castor Oil

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Posted by Pinetreelady (Dunedin, FL) on 03/25/2021
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Just want to put my 2 cents about the amazing healing benefits of castor oil.

Several years ago, I had a bad UTI which I couldn't get rid of so went to doc and was put on Cipro, which attacked my Achilles' tendons on both ankles.

The pain was excruciating. Docs gave me a muscle relaxant, which did nothing. As a last resort, I had my hubby rub castor oil on my ankles several times a day. Took pain away within one day...haven't had a problem since...

I might add that I since found out there was a class-action suit against the makers of Cipro as it was causing tendon ruptures in many people. Guess I was lucky and the Castor oil healed it on me. I use it for many things, including the packs, and take it orally occasionally, but only organic cold-pressed and hexane-free.

Replied by Wendy
(Dublin, OH)
03/26/2021
★★★★★

Years ago, I also was on Cipro for recurring UTIs (this was way before anyone realized the effect on muscles/tendons). As a result I tore my left hamstring just taking 1 step into my house! Since then, I've had to do regular leg exercises to strengthen the surrounding muscles to support the hamstring since any out-of-the-ordinary movement can "pop" it again. I agree the castor oil works great on any strain!

Castor Oil
Posted by Donna (Az) on 09/07/2020
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Just wanted to share an experience I had with castor oil. I was given Cipro for a UTI and had a severe reaction.....it attacked both Achilles tendons. ER did nothing to help and pain was excruciating. I had my hubby rub castor oil on my ankles several times a day and after a few days, I was better. Cipro (I found out later) can cause tears in Achilles and other tendons in body. DO NOT TAKE IT!

Replied by Art
(California)
09/08/2020
2326 posts

Hi Donna,

Unfortunately this is a common side effect of Ciprofloxacin and other common ones in this group include Levofloxacin and Norfloxacin. This group of drugs called Fluoroquinolones are noted for this problem as discussed here :

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2921747/

Even though you stop taking the drug, the potential problem can persist for months as outlined here:

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a688016.html

Taking ciprofloxacin increases the risk, up to several months afterward.

Sadly, statin drugs are also known or suspected to cause similar problems as mentioned here :

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/10919-tendinitis

I wrote a post on EC about a friend who successfully treated his torn tendons and ligaments from multiple courses of Cipro using a couple of common supplements Since the potential for further damage can last for months after stopping Cipro, it may be worth reading that post, here :

https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/collagen-for-torn-ligaments.html

Good luck and keep us posted!

Art

Replied by Mojob1955
(Overgaard, Az)
09/12/2020

I'm going to try the cataract treatment and the memory berry!

Thank you all at the Earth clinic.

Blessings to all,

Maureen B.

Replied by Txtorn8oh
(Houston)
09/12/2020

FYI -

The safety warning for Fluoroquinolones was updated in 2018, and" states that fluoroquinolone antibiotics can increase the occurrence of rare but serious events of ruptures or tears in the main artery of the body, called the aorta. These tears, called aortic dissections, or ruptures of an aortic aneurysm can lead to dangerous bleeding or even death. They can occur with fluoroquinolones for systemic use given by mouth or through an injection. People at increased risk include those with a history of blockages or aneurysms (abnormal bulges) of the aorta or other blood vessels, high blood pressure, certain genetic disorders that involve blood vessel changes, and the elderly....disabling side effects of the tendons, muscles, joints, nerves, and central nervous system, peripheral neuropathy, tendinitis and tendon rupture, significant decreases in blood sugar and certain mental health side effects have been reported when taking and many months and even years, after taking fluoroquinolones. (Taken from the FDA website)

Fluoroquinolones includes the most frequently prescribed antibiotics Cipro, Levaquin, and Avelox among others.

I was first "floxxed" about 20 years ago when I had surgery and not knowing what it was doing to my body, I took it several times after as well. I continue to have many health issues as a result of taking Cipro as I was permanently damaged. There are other health conditions that are not included in the "black box" warning that have been associated with fluorquinolone usage but there are many, many online groups that indicate their is much more damage that has been done as a result of taking them.

https://www.webmd.com/drug-medication/news/20190208/fluoroquinolones-over-prescribed-despite-dangers

Castor Oil
Posted by Diane (Uniontown, Pa) on 05/31/2012
 ★★★★★

A few months ago, my husband had a tear in his achilles tendon. The podiatrist gave him some sort of splint to wear, even before the mri results came back, but it didn't really seem to help. One evening, I rubbed some castor oil on the bottom of his foot and up the back of his leg. The pain subsided about 75%, and he healed very quickly from that point on.

Dietary Changes

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Posted by KT (Usa) on 04/07/2014
 ★★★★★

I learned that pectin was the culprit for my "Achilles heel". Pectin is another hidden source of MSG. When I learned the possible cause of pain so bad I could hardly walk, I eliminated pectin from my diet and voila the pain went away.

It is important to mention that, for years, I had been in the process of weeding MSG out of my diet which included the flowing agent in common table salt.

Moxibustion, Cupping and Acupuncture

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Posted by Jess R H (San Diego, Ca) on 09/15/2014
 ★★★★★

I ran a marathon on a Sunday. Not until the following Monday evening, but without a doubt, I had some serious inflammation in my achilles. Ouch. I went to the doc, who told me to get a small brace from cvs and lay off it for a while. And take some ibuprofen.

I received moxibustion at a previous Acupunture visit. As well as a stick to do it myself. I combo'd the heat, then cupping on the calf, the tendon and the bottom of the foot. the swelling reduced drastically!! And the pain was only minimal. After two treatments and some stretching.

I later went to the Acupunture clinic (PCOM) and received about 10 mini needles in my ankle and a few others to fill the path. I am going to lay off it for another week for safety sake, but I feel cured.

Replied by Dave
(Fountain Inn, Sc)
09/16/2014

Hello Jess R H,

Re your Achilles Tendon issue;

Interesting three part combo. I've not been helped much by acupuncture but I know it works by how it helps others. Cupping is something I'd like to try and never have.

But if those don't finally do the trick you might consider DMSO. (google DMSO, Dr Jacobs, 60 minutes ... for a three part series on topical application of that miracle substance.

Pinch Test and Castor Oil Massage

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Posted by Maverick (Walla Walla, WA) on 11/04/2022
 ★★★★★

PINCHING AND PINCH TEST

At the beginning of October 2022, I injured my achilles trekking up hills, going too fast. I read this is common for those who walk up hills or run hills, that it stretches the Achilles tendon too much and can tear or rupture. The best way I can describe the injury is that when I straighten out my leg and point my toes upwards or point the toes back towards the shin (stretching toes backwards essentially), it feels like sharp knives in my heel as if it's ripping tissues and ligaments to shreds.

I'm not officially diagnosed since I never went to the hospital or doctor Dr. but when I do the Achilles Pinch Test by pinching the back of my achilles, in a certain area of being pinched (outer edge of left ankle / achilles), I can feel the sensation a couple inches lower in the bottom of my heel (towards the outer edge of the left heel).

So I'm assuming there is some nerve damaged in the achilles that runs down into the heel. I don't know officially what this is, but from what I read, I believe this to be either Achilles Tendonitis or an Achilles Tendon Tear of some sort, but definitely not an Achilles Rupture.

I have been spraying it with apple cider vinegar (ACV) and then lathering it with Castor Oil. The pain didn't seem to change until I looked into the Achilles Pinch Test. The test is supposed to see if you have a rupture or not (your toes will not move or twitch if there's a full on rupture).

But I noticed that even though it was painful to pinch the back of my achilles heel (it would send a vibration of pain from the outer edge of the Achilles down 1 or 2 inches to the outer edge and bottom of the Left Heel), I started pinching it with it lathered in castor oil. I would also use my knee-bone as a massage tool to run my achilles up and down it.

After I started pinching it, I noticed the day after, it would be puffy and filled with fluid. I've now noticed that the pain is subsiding more and more every day since I figured this out at the beginning of November 2022. I read that this is actually what Laser therapy does, it causes fluid to go to the injured site, which allows more nutrients to get to it. And there is already a lack of blood flow to the Tendons (especially Achilles Tendon).

A couple days ago, the pinching method hurt when I would pinch, and now I feel the sensation down at the bottom edge of my heel, but it's not as painful as it was before. I'm also walking better. I will come back here and update what has happened by the start of 2023. I have a feeling that he blood flow issue to the Achilles Tendon is the real problem and if you pinch it and massage it enough, it will heal more quickly.

Stiff Running Shoes

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Posted by Mc (Madison, Wi) on 11/22/2014
 ★★★★★

I have struggled with Achilles tendonitis in first one heel and then the other. The trick for me was to switch from a soft soled running shoe to a stiffer one. The theory is that the food gets lazy in a soft, squishy shoe and a stiffer one makes the foot work harder, taking pressure off the Achilles tendon. I switched shoes last week and already I am having some relief. I also found that having too low a heel in my running shoes did not help.

Turmeric, DMSO

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Posted by David (Louisiana) on 09/10/2014
 ★★★★★

Editor's Choice

I'm a 45 year old male who used to be athletic. Over the last 5 years I lived a sedentary life and gained weight. I am trying to get back into shape by playing basketball and tennis. Unfortunately my Achilles tendons felt as if they were going to tear after a short period of exercise. I tried stretching, rest, ice, compression, elevation, etc. No help.

Then I purchased turmeric capsules and a small bottle of DMSO. I took the turmeric, 500 mg, two times a day and rubbed the DMSO on my afflicted area. IMMEDIATELY I saw improvement. I now play regularly with no pain whatsoever. Occasionally I'll have pain elsewhere and I'll rub the DMSO on it. I continue to take the turmeric daily.

Replied by Mahinder
(Malaysia)
09/12/2014

Hi David,

I ruptured my achilles tendon while playing football. It's been 6 weeks now. I am using a splint which should be coming off next week.

I have read about DMSO and it seems to work. Could you share with me the bottle/brand of DMSO you used? Did you have any rashes on your skin while applying it?

Thanks.

Mahinder

Replied by David
(Louisiana, US)
01/17/2015

To be honest I don't remember which brand of DMSO I purchased. It was a 2 oz bottle for around $8 on Amazon.

Steve R
(England)
11/23/2018

Safest dmso whether its 99% undiluted or various concentrations mixed with Aloe Vera gel is Dr Jacob brand.

Remember to be carefull as dmso will take toxins passed blood brain barrier so read all info and respect it as this is by far the best product for pain.

Vitamin E Oil, Stretching

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Posted by Carla (La Paz, Bolivia) on 03/15/2010
 ★★★★★

I suffered with Achilles tendonitis for 2 years and the doctors and physical therapists wee making it worse. Then I meet a new PT who fixed the problem in one month with soft stretching exercises, walking different (I used to walk toe to heel) and Vitamin E Oil.

Try rubbing Vitamin E Oil in that area until it warms up once or twice a day, especially prior to exercise. The amount is whatever is enough to cover the area and soak through. Make sure to keep it warm after, fast cool downs of the tendon seem to cause problems.

Replied by Amy
(Everett, Wa)
08/02/2021

How are you supposed to foot strike if not heal to toe? Please advise. Thanks. Hope you are well now.

Replied by Pat
(Cincinnati, Ohio)
08/09/2021
4 posts

Thanks for this. I am going to try the Vit E oil along with castor oil for my Achilles tendonitis.


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