Clinical Research Directory

Inclusion Criteria: * Pain localized to the Achilles tendon (insertion or midportion) * AT pain greater than or equal to 3/10 with tendon-loading exercise Exclusion Criteria: * Younger than 18 years of age or older than 60 years of age * BMI \> 45 kg/m2 * Pain primarily due to a differential diagnosis, including paratendonitis, bursitis (retrocalcaneal or subcutaneous), posterior ankle impingement or os trigonum, irritation or neuropathy of the sural nerve, plantaris tendon involvement) * Presence of a partial Achilles tendon tear or rupture on imaging or a history of Achilles tendon rupture that was verified by surgical or conservative management * Attended physical therapy for AT in the past 3 months * History of steroid injection to lower extremity tendons/fascia, ESWT or any injection to the Achilles tendon region in the past 3 months * History of taking fluoroquinolones in the past 6 months * History of surgery or invasive procedure for AT on side enrolling for treatment * Diagnosed systemic conditions affecting the foot and ankle (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis), endocrine disorder with complications (e.g., uncontrolled Type I or II diabetes, diabetic peripheral neuropathy), connective tissue disorder (e.g., Marfan's syndrome, Ehlers Danlos), or pregnancy * At high risk for falls (four step square test \>15 seconds) * Refusal of randomization or unable or uninterested in completing virtual visits with a webcam or smart phone or completing quizzes and surveys