1 Rest your Achilles tendon. 2  Avoid all activities that strain the tendon, such as stair climbing or running. 3  Try other activities, such as swimming, while you give your tendon the days, weeks, or months it needs to heal. 4  Your doctor will tell you what you can and cannot do.ollow these steps to rest, heal, and strengthen your Achilles tendon and prevent further injury: 1  Rest your Achilles tendon. 2  Reduce pain by icing your Achilles tendon and taking nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) as directed. 3  Follow your physical therapy program if one has been ...