{"id":426,"date":"2018-03-16T16:57:32","date_gmt":"2018-03-16T16:57:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/peninsulafootandankle.com\/?page_id=426"},"modified":"2022-12-15T14:56:45","modified_gmt":"2022-12-15T14:56:45","slug":"achilles-tendon-disorders","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/peninsulafootandankle.com\/achilles-tendon-disorders\/","title":{"rendered":"Achilles Tendon Disorders"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What Is the Achilles Tendon?\u00a0 \"Achilles<\/h2>\n

The Achilles tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. It runs down the back of the lower leg and connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon facilitates walking by helping to raise the heel off the ground.<\/p>\n

Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendonosis<\/h2>\n

Two common disorders that occur in the heel cord are Achilles tendonitis and Achilles tendonosis.
\nAchilles tendonitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This inflammation is typically short-lived. Over time, if not resolved, the condition may progress to a degeneration of the tendon (Achilles tendonosis), in which the tendon loses its organized structure and is likely to develop microscopic tears. Sometimes the degeneration involves the site where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone. In rare cases, chronic degeneration with or without pain may result in rupture of the tendon.<\/p>\n

Causes<\/h2>\n

As “overuse” disorders, Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are usually caused by a sudden increase of a repetitive activity involving the Achilles tendon. Such activity puts too much stress on the tendon too quickly, leading to micro-injury of the tendon fibers. Due to this ongoing stress on the tendon, the body is unable to repair the injured tissue. The structure of the tendon is then altered, resulting in continued pain.\"Achilles
\nAthletes are at high risk for developing disorders of the Achilles tendon. Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis are also common in individuals whose work puts stress on their ankles and feet, such as laborers, as well as in \u201cweekend warriors\u201d\u2014those who are less conditioned and participate in athletics only on weekends or infrequently.
\nIn addition, people with excessive pronation (flattening of the arch) have a tendency to develop Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis due to the greater demands placed on the tendon when walking. If these individuals wear shoes without adequate stability, their overpronation could further aggravate the Achilles tendon.<\/p>\n

Symptoms<\/h2>\n

The symptoms associated with Achilles tendonitis and tendonosis include:<\/p>\n