ACHILLES TENDON

The Achilles tendon is a thick tendon located in the back of the leg
Achilles injuries can occur in several places, but the most common area is at the muscle-tendon junction – the area where the calf muscles join with the tendon.
Chronic, long-lasting Achilles tendon disorders range from overuse injuries that cause inflammation or degeneration, to acute traumas such as Achilles tendon ruptures. Pain along the back of the ankle or in the heel are often the result of distinct problems along the course of the Achilles tendon or at its point of attachment to the heel of the foot.
Over-pronation occurs in the walking and/or running process when the arch collapses upon weight-bearing, adding stress on the Achilles tendon. Other factors that lead to Achilles Tendonitis are improper shoe selection, inadequate stretching prior to engaging in athletics, a short Achilles tendon, direct trauma (injury) to the tendon, and heel bone deformity.
PREVENTION
Those with Achilles tendonitis should wear lightweight, shock-absorbing orthotics to help reduce stress and pressure on the Achilles tendon. The orthotic can help control over-pronation, support the longitudinal arch, and reduce stress on the Achilles tendon.
Rifat TOPCUOGLU M.D.