Achilles Tendon

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscle to your heel bone. When the calf muscle contracts during walking, running, and jumping the tendon pulls on the hell bone causes the foot to flex. The Achilles is the largest tendon in the body and despite its exceptional strength, the stress caused by vigorous sports can cause excessive strain on the tendon and its attachment on the bone. Injuries to the Achilles tendon result in inflammation, swelling, and irritation referred to as tendonitis. Achilles tendinitis is usually treated conservatively to relieve inflammation and reduce the risk of further injury. Severe stress on the tendon results in a rupture or tear of the tendon. Depending on the severity of the rupture it may need to be treated surgically or by using crutches and a cast for 6-8 weeks, followed by physical therapy. It’s well worth spending five minutes flexing and stretching the calf muscles and Achilles tendon before subjecting them to sports stresses. If you feel pain, aching, tenderness or weakness in the lower leg while engaged in sport activities, take yourself out of the game and consult your podiatrist.