Achilles Tendon Information
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Achilles Tendon Overview
The Achilles tendon, or tendon calcaneus, is a large ropelike band of fibrous tissue in the back of the ankle that connects the powerful calf muscles to the heel bone (calcaneus). Sometimes called the heel cord, it is the largest tendon in the human body. When the calf muscles contract, the Achilles tendon is tightened, pulling the heel. This allows you to point your foot and stand on tiptoe. It is vital to such activities as walking, running, and jumping. A complete tear through the tendon, which usually occurs about 2 inches above the heel bone, is called an Achilles tendon rupture.
Achilles Tendon Causes
The Achilles tendon can grow weak and thin with age and lack of use. Then it becomes prone to injury or rupture. Certain illnesses (such as arthritis and diabetes) and medications (such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics) can also increase the risk of rupture.
- Rupture most commonly occurs in the middle-aged male athlete (the weekend warrior who is engaging in a pickup game of basketball, for example). Injury often occurs during recreational sports that require bursts of jumping, pivoting, and running. Most often these are tennis, racquetball, basketball, and badminton.
- The injury can happen in these situations.
- You make a forceful push-off with your foot while your knee is straightened by the powerful thigh muscles. One example might be starting a foot race or jumping.
- You suddenly trip or stumble, and your foot is thrust in front to break a fall, forcefully overstretching the tendon.
- You fall from a significant height.
Achilles Tendon Symptoms
- A sudden and severe pain may be felt at the back of the ankle or calf-often described as "being hit by a rock or shot."
- The sound of a loud pop or snap may be reported.
- A gap or depression may be felt and seen in the tendon about 2 inches above the heel bone.
- Initial pain, swelling, and stiffness may be followed by bruising and weakness.
- The pain may decrease quickly and smaller tendons may retain the ability to point the toes. Without the Achilles tendon, though, this would be very difficult.
- Standing on tiptoe and pushing off when walking will be impossible.
- A complete tear is more common than a partial tear.
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