How to Identify the Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon is a strong, thick tendon which connects the muscles of the calf to the heel. Unfortunately, many people don't know where to find their Achilles tendon until they've damaged it. Knowing where to find your Achilles tendon can help you prevent injury resulting from overuse.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Sit in a chair and place your right ankle over your left knee, so that you can look down and see the inner portion of your right leg.
2. Place your hand along the back of the calf of your right leg. The two calf muscles are known as the gastronemeous and the soleus.
3. Move your hand over these muscles and towards your ankle. Notice the softness of your calf muscles as your hand moves downward.
4. Note when your calf muscle narrows into a single point. The softness of the calf muscle dissipates and becomes slightly harder and more malleable. This is the beginning of your Achilles tendon.
5. Relax your foot and then follow the tendon down until it reaches your heel bone or calcaneous bone. You'll know you've reached your heel bone because the area feels hard and is no longer malleable like your Achilles tendon.
6. Identify the space between your heel bone and the soft muscle of your calf as your Achilles tendon.

Tips & Warnings

• Look at a diagram of the muscles of the body to gain a better understanding of the Achilles tendon anatomy.