Achilles tendonitis

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Achilles Tendonitis

Achilles Tendonitis (pronounced: uh-KILL-eez ten-doh-NIGH-tis) is a common condition that causes pain along the back of the leg near the heel. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It connects your calf muscles to your heel bone and is used when you walk, run, and jump.

Etymology

The term "Achilles Tendonitis" is derived from the name of the Greek hero Achilles from Homer's "Iliad". According to the myth, Achilles was vulnerable only at his heel. "Tendonitis" is a medical term that refers to inflammation of a tendon, derived from the Greek words "tendōn" meaning tendon, and "-itis" meaning inflammation.

Symptoms

The main symptom of Achilles Tendonitis is pain and swelling in the back part of the heel that worsens with activities. The skin on your heel may be red and warm, and you may have difficulty standing on your toes.

Causes

Achilles Tendonitis is typically not related to a specific injury. The problem results from repetitive stress to the tendon. This often happens when we push our bodies to do too much, too soon, but other factors can make it more likely to develop tendinitis, including a bone spur, tight calf muscles, sudden increase in the intensity or frequency of exercise.

Treatment

Treatment for Achilles Tendonitis includes rest, ice, anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. More severe cases of Achilles Tendonitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) that may require surgical repair.

Related Terms

  • Tendon: A tendon is a fibrous connective tissue which attaches muscle to bone. Tendons may also attach muscles to structures such as the eyeball.
  • Inflammation: Inflammation is a process by which the body's white blood cells and substances they produce protect us from infection with foreign organisms, such as bacteria and viruses.
  • Heel: The heel is the prominence at the posterior end of the foot. It is based on the projection of one bone, the calcaneus or heel bone, behind the articulation of the bones of the lower leg.

External links

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