Achilles tendinitis
Achilles Tendinitis
Achilles tendinitis (pronounced: uh-KILL-eez ten-duh-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 tendinitis" is derived from the name of the Greek hero Achilles from the Trojan War of Homer's Iliad, and "tendinitis" which is derived from the Latin word "tendo" meaning tendon, and the Greek suffix "-itis" meaning inflammation.
Symptoms
The pain associated with Achilles tendinitis typically begins as a mild ache in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other sports activity. Episodes of more severe pain may occur after prolonged running, stair climbing, or sprinting.
Causes
Achilles tendinitis is caused by intense or repetitive strain on the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects your calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes.
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 part of the complex biological response of body tissues to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants.
- Calf Muscles: The calf muscle, on the back of the lower leg, is actually made up of two muscles: The gastrocnemius and the soleus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Achilles tendinitis
- Wikipedia's article - Achilles tendinitis
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