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Causes
By Mayo Clinic staffYour Achilles tendon is the large band of tissues connecting the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon is used when you walk, run, jump, or push up on your toes.
When you place a large amount of stress on your Achilles tendon too quickly, it can become inflamed from tiny tears that occur during the activity. A sudden increase in a repetitive activity that involves the Achilles tendon can be to blame. A number of other factors can cause Achilles tendinitis, including:
- Improper conditioning. Achilles tendinitis is most common among athletes whose bodies aren't properly conditioned for their sport or activity. Inadequate flexibility and strength of the calf muscles can contribute to overload of the tendon. Frequent stops and starts during the activity, as well as activities that require repeated jumping — such as basketball or tennis — also can increase your risk of Achilles tendinitis.
- Too much, too soon. Achilles tendinitis resulting from overuse can occur when you begin a new exercise regimen. If you're just beginning a new exercise program, be sure to stretch before and after exercising, and start slowly, increasing your activity over time. Don't push yourself too quickly. If you're a runner, excessive hill running can contribute to Achilles tendinitis.
- Flattened arch. Flattening of the arch of your foot (excessive pronation) can place you at increased risk of developing Achilles tendinitis. This is because of the extra stress placed on you Achilles tendon when walking. If you have excessive pronation, be sure to wear shoes with appropriate support to avoid further aggravating your Achilles tendon.
- Trauma or infection. In some cases, inflammation of the Achilles tendon is due to trauma or infection near the tendon.
