Achilles Tendon Definition

The Achilles tendon is a tendon located in the leg. Because the tendon is responsible for many essential movements, it is also the most common tendon to be injured. Learning to prevent injury and treat any existing Achilles tendon injuries is essential in ensuring comfortable movement.

Location

The Achilles tendon is located in the back of the leg, just above the calcaneus, or heel bone. The Achilles tendon is also flanked by the soleus and lateral gastrocnemius, or calf muscles. The Achilles tendon is connected by a series of fibers to the heel bone, and enables the heel bone to function.

Features

A fibrous tissue, the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel, and is one of the strongest and most dense tissues in the body. Amazingly, the Achilles tendon is able to withstand anywhere between 3 to 12 times a person's normal body weight, and undergoes this pressure whenever a person sprints or pushes off to sprint, depending on the person's speed, stride and terrain.

Significance

The Achilles tendon is responsible for contracting the calf muscles and enabling the foot to push downward. The Achilles tendon is also responsible for the movements that allow a person to walk, jump, run and stand. Surprisingly, the Achilles tendon is able to maintain a person's entire body weight while the person walks, making injury to the tendon very common. In the United States alone, more than 230,000 injuries to the Achilles tendon are reported each year.

Injury to the Achilles Tendon

Because of the amount of use and pressure applied to the tendon, the Achilles tendon is one of the most common areas of injury, particularly for athletes. The most common injury to the Achilles tendon is a condition called Tendo-Achilles bursitis, which is an inflammation of a fluid-filled sac in the foot along the Achilles tendon and heel bone. Although conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can increase a patient's risk for Tendo-Achielles, the injury may also occur due to poor cushioning in the shoes or repeated stress to the area by running, jumping or otherwise pounding the foot along a hard surface. Athletes who play track, basketball or soccer are more at risk for this injury.

Achilles Tendon Injury Prevention

To prevent an injury to the Achilles tendon, athletes should stretch before and after any physical activity, and if they experience pain, it is essential for athletes to refrain from that activity until the pain subsides. In addition, athletes and those who exercise often should be sure to wear comfortable footwear with good arch support and cushioning. Many patients who suffer from pain in the Achilles tendon often experience relief from extra cushioning or padding under the heel of the foot. This padding reduces the length that the Achilles tendon must stretch to take a step or stride. Additionally, many patients find shoe inserts and anti-pronation shoes helpful. In severe cases, a brace may be required to immobilize the injured Achilles tendon until it has healed.

References

• Achilles Tendon