What is Achilles Tendonitis (also called Achilles tendinitis)?  Here is how it’s defined: Achilles tendinopathy is a clinical syndrome often associated with overuse that is characterized by pain and inflammation of the tendon, which results in impaired performance and altered function - ouch!

So, in plain english: it’s a painful inflammation of the Achilles tendon (your heel cord), which happens to be the largest and strongest tendon in your body. Your Achilles tendon is located in the back of your lower leg, attaches to your heel bone (calcaneus), and connects the leg muscles to the foot.

Who gets it most?

Achilles tendinopathy seems to be found more often in middle-aged (30-50 years of age) people, particularly those who are involved in recreational activities, due to age-related changes. Bad news for the guys, as they are 6 times more likely to suffer from Achilles tendinopathy compared to females.

It is also commonly seen in athletes involved in high-force, intermittent activities. Greater participation in sports and increased intensity and duration of training has led to a large increase in incidence in the past 3 decades.

Some sports include running, basketball, volleyball, soccer, tennis, gymnastics, and others involving running and jumping. Interestingly, Achilles tendinopathy is almost 10 times more common in runners when compared non-runners of the same age.

What causes achilles tendonitis?

Typically Achilles tendinopathy is an injury that occurs gradually over time (aka insidious onset) from frequent repetitive loading and strain on the tendon itself.  This can result in inflammation, microtrauma (not good), and adhesion (scarring of the muscle) development, which ultimately leads to degeneration and weakening of the tendon.

This could lead to a tear of the tendon and possibly a complete tear (rupture) - ouch!

An acute (early onset) injury can occur from a sudden traumatic event (e.g., an episode of a forceful eccentric contraction, such as landing from a height), which has the potential to get progressively worse and lead to a tear in the Achilles tendon.

Do you know anyone who suffers from Achilles Tendonitis?