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Ency. home > Disease > A > Achilles tendonitis

Achilles tendonitis   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Tendonitis of the heel

Definition:

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon (the tendon that connects the muscles of the calf to the heel).

Causes and Risks

There are two large muscles in the calf, the gastrocnemius and soleus, that generate the power for pushing off with the foot or going up on the toes. The large Achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel.

These are important muscles for walking. This tendon can become inflamed, most commonly with overuse or arthritis, although inflammation can also be associated with trauma and infection.

Tendonitis secondary to overuse is most common in younger individuals and can occur in walkers, runners or other athletes, especially in sports involving jumping like basketball. Jumping places a large amount of stress on the Achilles tendon.

Tendonitis from arthritis is more common in the middle aged and elderly population. Arthritis often causes extra bony growths around joints, and if this occurs around the heel where the Achilles tendon inserts on the heel bone, then the tendon can become inflamed and painful.

Ency. home > Disease > A > Achilles tendonitis

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