What is the Achilles tendon?
The strong but not very elastic tendon connects the lower leg muscles with the foot skeleton. Without it, stretching the foot and thus walking or toe walking would not be possible. The Achilles tendon is about 20 to 25 centimeters long, up to 5 centimeters wide at its thickest point and up to 8 millimeters thick.
According to Greek legend, Achilles was immersed in the River Styx by his mother to make him immortal. The heel, however, by which she had held him, remained vulnerable – the much-cited Achilles heel.
What is the function of the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon serves to transmit power from the calf muscles to the skeleton of the foot, or more precisely the heel bone. When the calf muscles contract, the tendon is pulled upwards on the heel bone, thus lifting the heel and stretching the foot. By relaxing the calf muscles, on the other hand, it is possible to step with the entire sole of the foot.
Where is the Achilles tendon located?
What problems can the Achilles tendon cause?
An Achilles tendon rupture occurs mainly during sports, such as jogging, skiing, playing tennis, soccer or handball. In most cases, however, the tendon is already damaged and the tissue degenerates. In addition, repeated cortisone injections can damage the tendon to such an extent that even minor injuries can cause a tear.
Overuse can lead to irritation of the Achilles tendon and further to painful inflammation (Achillodynia).
