What Is Achilles Tendinitis?

Achilles tendinitis is an overuse injury to the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects the calf muscle at the back of the lower leg to the heel bone.

Achilles tendonitis is most common in runners who suddenly increase the intensity or duration of their runs. It's also common among middle-aged people who only play sports like tennis or basketball on weekends.

Pain associated with Achilles tendinitis usually begins with mild pain in the back of the leg or above the heel after running or other physical activity. The pain may be more severe after running, climbing stairs, or sprinting for a long time.

You may also experience tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, which usually improves with light activity.

Achilles tendonitis is caused by repeated or intense strains on the Achilles tendon (the band of tissue that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone). This tendon is used when you walk, run, jump, or push up with your toes.

The structure of the Achilles tendon weakens with age, which can make it more prone to injury—especially in those who may only be active on weekends or suddenly increase the intensity of their running program.

A number of factors may increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis, including:

While it may not be possible to prevent Achilles tendinitis, you can take measures to relieve:

• Choose your shoes carefully. Shoes worn during exercise should provide adequate cushioning in the heel and should have firm arch support to help reduce tension on the Achilles tendon.
• Stretch every day. Take time in the morning, before and after exercise to stretch your calf muscles and Achilles tendon to maintain flexibility. This is especially important to avoid the recurrence of Achilles tendinitis.
• Take it easy. Avoid activities that place undue stress on the tendons, such as mountain climbing. If you are participating in vigorous activities, start by exercising at a slower pace to warm up. If you notice pain during a particular exercise, stop and rest.
• Gradually increase your activity level. If you're just starting an exercise regimen, start slowly and gradually increasing the duration and intensity of your workouts.