Achilles tendonitis - NYC Podiatrist Manhattan and White Plains, NY br br Dr. Donna M. Hartmann discusses the symptoms, causes and treatments for Achilles tendonitis. br Events that can cause Achilles tendonitis may include: br • Hill running or stair climbing. br • Overuse, stemming from the natural lack of flexibility in the calf muscles. br • Rapidly increasing mileage or speed when walking, jogging, or running. br • Starting up too quickly after a layoff in exercise or sports activity, without adequately stretching and warming up the foot. br • Trauma caused by sudden andor hard contraction of the calf muscles when putting out extra effort, such as in a sprint. br • Improper footwear andor a tendency toward overpronation. br Achilles tendonitis often begins with mild pain after exercise or running that gradually worsens. br Other symptoms include: br • Recurring localized pain, sometimes severe, along the tendon during or a few hours after running.