Achilles tendon refers to a fibrous tissue that connects the calf muscles to the heel. In the human body, leg muscles are considered as the most powerful muscle group and Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon. A human being is able to rise up on his toes, walk properly due to the effective functioning of Achilles tendon. When the tendon becomes irritated and inflamed, then the resulting condition is said as Achilles tendonitis. It is a common overuse injury that accounts for 11% of running injuries. As with the growing age tendons becomes more susceptible to injury, therefore middle-aged recreational athletes (people engaged in basketball, jumping, people who are engaged in a lot of walking activities, etc) are affected by the condition most. Tendinitis of the heel is the other name of the condition.

Overpronation and lack of flexibility are considered as the main causes of Achilles tendonitis. Recent changes in the footwear, changes in the training schedule of exercises, medication side-effects, misalignment, etc are some other causes of the condition. It is commonly observed that multiple causes contribute in causing this condition.

Common adage “prevention is better than cure” stands strong in the case of Achilles tendonitis. By maintaining flexibility and strength in the calf muscles will help in reducing risk of tendinitis.