Achilles tendinitis is an injury of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon. It can be caused by using it too much or too hard without enough rest, called overuse. Or it can develop without a clear cause. The Achilles tendon is the band of tissue that joins calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.
Achilles tendinitis is sometimes called Achilles tendinopathy. Tendinopathy is an umbrella term for conditions affecting the tendon. It often occurs in runners who have suddenly increased how hard or long they run. It’s also common in middle-aged people who play sports, such as tennis or basketball, only on the weekends.
Most often, Achilles tendinitis can be treated with at-home care guided by a healthcare professional. Self-care steps can be helpful to prevent Achilles tendinitis from returning.
Serious cases of Achilles tendinitis can lead to tendon tears, also called ruptures. Tears might need surgery to fix them.
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