Achilles tendonitis is an overuse injury that causes inflammation of the Achilles tendon - the strong band of tissue connecting the calf muscles to the heel bone. It commonly affects athletes and active adults, particularly those with tight calves or who have recently increased their activity level.
This condition typically results from repetitive stress rather than a single injury. Sudden increases in exercise intensity, poor stretching habits, improper footwear, or biomechanical issues like flat feet or tight calves can all place strain on the tendon. Over time, this can lead to microtears, thickening, or even degeneration of the tendon.
Symptoms may include pain or stiffness along the tendon, especially in the morning or after activity, as well as swelling, redness, or tenderness at the back of the heel. Your foot and ankle specialist will perform a clinical exam and may order X-rays to check for bone spurs or calcification, particularly in insertional cases. If deeper evaluation is needed, an MRI may be recommended to assess the severity of tendon damage and guide treatment.
