Where is achilles tendon

Running should be avoided at all costs until a rehabilitation specialist, trainer or doctor advises that sufficient recovery has taken place. Learn more about reliability data so you can avoid unnecessary risks. Achilles Tendon Injuries. Conditions and issues Chronic, long-lasting Achilles tendon disorders range from overuse injuries that cause inflammation or degeneration, to acute traumas such as Achilles tendon ruptures.

Back in the Game patient stories. Blog posts. In the news. The Achilles tendon — where Achilles tendon disorders occur - is the band of tissue that runs down the back of the lower leg, connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone.

Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground. Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis.

Achilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time, if not resolved, the condition may progress to a degeneration of the tendon Achilles tendonosis , in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to develop microscopic tears.

Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the tendon. As "overuse" disorders, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are usually caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers.

Due to this ongoing stress on the tendon, the body is unable to repair the injured tissue. The structure of the tendon is then altered, resulting in continued pain. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles uh-KILL-eez tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

Achilles tendinitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Achilles tendinitis Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury of the Achilles uh-KILL-eez tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone.

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references DeLee JC, et al. Tendon injuries of the foot and ankle. Philadelphia, Pa. Put your palms flat against the wall or hold on to the piece of equipment. Keep one leg back with your knee straight and your heel flat on the floor. Slowly bend your elbows and front knee and move your hips forward until you feel a stretch in your calf.

Hold this position for 30 to 60 seconds. Switch leg positions and repeat with your other leg. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Achilles tendon rupture Open pop-up dialog box Close. Achilles tendon rupture The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Calf stretch exercise Open pop-up dialog box Close.