Anatomy
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What is an Achilles Tendon?

J.Gunsch
J.Gunsch

The Achilles tendon, also called the calcaneal tendon, connects the back of the heel to the leg muscles of the calf. It allows a person to flex the ankle, allowing him to walk, run, jump, and walk on the toes. The human body has many tendons that allow people to move, but this one is the largest, thickest, and strongest. It may need to support all of the body's weight, and during strenuous activities, it may be responsible for handling up to three to five times a person's normal weight.

This tendon is easily injured, especially in athletes. It can also be injured during routine and simple exercises when a person fails to stretch or warm up properly. An injury involving the Achilles tendon is extremely painful and requires a long period of time to heal.

The Achilles tendon helps an ankle flex.
The Achilles tendon helps an ankle flex.

The most common injuries to the tendon are tendinitis and a tendon rupture. Tendinitis is an inflammation of the tendon characterized by soreness, stiffness, general pain, and localized fatigue. It is usually caused by overuse or misuse of the tendon, but it can be due to many different factors. Tendinitis progressively worsens if it is not treated.

People who roll their feet too far outward while walking may experience recurrent issues with Achilles tendonitis.
People who roll their feet too far outward while walking may experience recurrent issues with Achilles tendonitis.

A ruptured Achilles tendon is a partial or complete tear of the tissue. When this happens, a person will experience excruciating pain and be completely unable to move the foot in the case of a complete tear. A ruptured tendon is most common in athletes who quickly increase their physical exertion and in non-athletes who suffer an accident.

This tendon is named for a mythological hero in Homer’s Illiad, a famous ancient Greek epic poem. As a baby, a warrior named Achilles was bathed by his mother in a magical river that promised immortality. He became virtually invincible except for his ankle. Because his mother grasped his ankle as she dangled him in the water, this part of his body remained unexposed and vulnerable. A fatal wound to Achilles' tendon in a battle for Troy was the cause of his death.

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    • The Achilles tendon helps an ankle flex.
      By: WavebreakmediaMicro
      The Achilles tendon helps an ankle flex.
    • People who roll their feet too far outward while walking may experience recurrent issues with Achilles tendonitis.
      By: GVictoria
      People who roll their feet too far outward while walking may experience recurrent issues with Achilles tendonitis.
    • Physical therapy may be necessary following an achilles tendon rupture.
      By: goodluz
      Physical therapy may be necessary following an achilles tendon rupture.
    • Tendons are strong yet flexible fibrous tissue bands that attach muscles to bones.
      By: Balint Radu
      Tendons are strong yet flexible fibrous tissue bands that attach muscles to bones.
    • In Greek mythology, Achilles was a powerful warrior who had only one weakness: his heel.
      In Greek mythology, Achilles was a powerful warrior who had only one weakness: his heel.
    • Tight calf muscles may negatively affect the Achilles tendon and cause tendinitis.
      By: apops
      Tight calf muscles may negatively affect the Achilles tendon and cause tendinitis.
    • The Achilles Tendon is prone to injuries that require medical attention.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      The Achilles Tendon is prone to injuries that require medical attention.