Achilles tendinitis is an inflammation of the Achilles tendon, sometimes called the heel cord, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.
Achilles tendinitis is usually the result of an injury or tiny tears in the tendon fibers. Two types exist:
Multiple factors may cause Achilles tendinitis. The most common is overuse of the tendon. Often, a sudden increase in training, running, mileage, or speed will bring on symptoms. Pressure from the hard back of an athletic shoe can irritate the tendon over the heel. Landing hard on the arch of the foot may contribute to the strain on the Achilles tendon.