The Achilles tendon is the large tendon that connects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscle complex in the calf to the calcaneus (heel bone) in the foot. This tendon helps transfer force from the calf muscles to the foot and allows plantarflexion. It is critical for the push off involved in running and jumping. In this video, I demonstrate some exercises for Achilles tendinitis.
Achilles tendinitis is the term for inflammation of the Achilles tendon. This condition usually affects running athletes, and it is thought to be an overuse injury. The athlete often experiences pain and swelling at the area of tendinitis within the Achilles tendon.
In patients with long-standing pain from Achilles tendinitis, they can develop Achilles tendinosis. This is a disease process (tendinosis) or overuse injury in which an athlete develops a small area of degeneration within the Achilles tendon. This condition can often be resolved with rest, activity modification, and physical therapy. In a small percentage of athletes it requires more aggressive treatments.
In this video, physical therapist Yves Gege and I show a few exercises for Achilles tendinitis you can do to try to recover quickly.
Remember, these exercise posts, like other information on this site, are not intended to represent specific medical advice. If you have any questions about this injury or of its treatment, make sure to see your doctor or a physical therapist.
Also read:
Achilles tendinosis and tendinitis: Signs, symptoms and treatment options