Achilles Tendon Pain

The Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body, capable of withstanding forces up to five times a person’s body weight. It connects the calf muscle to the back of the heel and plays a crucial role in plantarflexion, enabling movement such as walking, running, jumping, as well as providing shock absorption and ankle stability.

Achilles tendon pain affects 3% of the general population, with this number rising to 10-20% among individuals who participate in sports involving running or jumping. Pain is typically felt at the back of the heel and may radiate up toward the calf muscle, often being worse in the morning.

Achilles tendon pain can be caused by a variety of factors, including tight calf muscles that place extra strain on the tendon and overuse or high-impact sports that increase the risk of injury. A sudden increase in activity or intensity, along with poor foot alignment such as flat feet or high arches, can further contribute to the condition. 

Age is another factor, as the risk rises with time, menopause results in a decline in estrogen levels, leading to a reduction in tendon elasticity making the Achilles more susceptible to injury. Additional factors like obesity and wearing inappropriate footwear can also exacerbate the strain on the tendon, leading to pain.