What is the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscle to your heel bone, and helps lift your heel off the ground. It is used when you walk, run, jump, stand on tiptoes and climb stairs. Although the Achilles tendon can withstand great stresses from running and jumping, it is vulnerable to injury
What conditions can affect the Achilles tendon?
Anterior Achilles tendon bursitis – walking, often in high-heeled shoes, inflames the bursa at the back of your heel.
Achilles Paratenonitis – overuse, repeated movements or poorly fitted shoes inflame the paratenon.
Achilles tendonitis – too much activity like running, walking or sports, causes your Achilles tendon to swell and become painful.
Achilles tendonosis – overuse or ageing gradually causes your tendon to degenerate, resulting in thickening due to scar tissue.
Achilles tendon rupture – running uphill, jumping or quickly changing speed or direction can tear the Achilles tendon completely or partially
Posterior Achilles tendon bursitis – extra strain on the Achilles tendon (from injuries to the heel or diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or gout) inflames the bursa
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