Achilles Tendon Injuries
Achilles tendon anatomy
The Achilles tendon is a thick tendon located in the back of the leg. It connects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf to an insertion point at the calcaneus (heel bone). It is the strongest tendon in the body and allows people to push off while walking, running and jumping.
Achilles injuries can occur in several places, but the most common area is at the muscle-tendon junction – the area where the calf muscles join with the tendon. Injuries in this area often heal on their own. This junction has a smaller blood supply than does the muscular area of the leg, however. This makes the healing process slower than it is in many other leg injuries.
Achilles tendon conditions and issues
Chronic, long-lasting Achilles tendon disorders range from overuse injuries that cause inflammation or degeneration, to acute traumas such as Achilles tendon ruptures. Pain along the back of the ankle or in the heel are often the result of distinct problems along the course of the Achilles tendon or at its point of attachment to the heel of the foot. This type of pain may also be caused by retrocalcaneal bursitis, which is sometimes called Achilles tendon bursitis. Learn about more specific Achilles tendon conditions in the articles shown below.
Achilles tendon injury prevention
Since a lack of flexibility is a major cause of injury, proper stretching of the lower leg is the most basic way to prevent Achilles tendon strains or tears. As is the case with many other conditions injuries, it is important to stay as fit as possible during the healing and rehabilitation process. Swimming and other non-impact exercises are best, including bicycling, if that activity does not cause any pain (which would indicate a likelihood of reinjury). Running should be avoided at all costs until a rehabilitation specialist, trainer or doctor advises that sufficient recovery has taken place.
In the news
- Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton has surgery on right Achilles tendon
- Stevens Gives Positive Perspective on Tatum’s Injury and Other Celtics Health Updates
- Tiger Woods has surgery for ruptured left Achilles
- Achilles Tendon and Heel Pain: Causes and Treatment
- NBA Player James Wiseman Breaks Silence After Devastating Injury
- Jets Must Be Patient With Aaron Rodgers, but Can They?
- Doctor suggests Aaron Rodgers could return to Jets by Week 1 next season: 'Very doable'
- Pickleball injuries
- Aaron Rodgers’s Season Is Over. What About His Career?
- What is an Achilles tear and can Aaron Rodgers recover?
- Dr. Rock Positano on Aaron Rodgers Achilles injury
- Mid-Calf Nerve Block May Enable Early Rehabilitation After Foot and Ankle Surgery, Preventing Pain While Allowing Foot Movement
- Marathon Training With an Injury Comes With a Few Rules
- What Works Best for Ruptured Achilles Tendons?
- Seattle Storm's Breanna Stewart undergoes minor surgery on Achilles
- Try These 5 Calf Exercises to Help Prevent Injury
- Sore Achilles Tendon? Here’s How to Treat It
- Jocelyn Willoughby Injury Update
- How Kevin Durant Beat the Worst Injury in Basketball
- Dr. Mark Drakos leads Hospital for Special Surgery study on Achilles tendon repair
- HSS Awarded Grant for Trial of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy After Achilles Tendon Repair