What is an Achilles tendon Injury?
The Achilles tendon is located at the rear (posterior) of the bottom half of the lower leg and is used to plantar flex the foot, or point the foot downward. This allows a person the run, jump and stand on one’s toes. The Achilles tendon is the strongest tendon of the body, and able to withstand a 1000 pound force without tearing. Despite this, the Achilles ruptures more frequently than any other tendon because of the tremendous pressures placed on it during competitive sports. There are two main types of injuries that affect the Achilles tendon; Achilles Tendonitis and Achilles Tendon Rupture. Achilles Tendonitis is simply an inflammation of the tendon, and in most cases is caused by excessive training over an extended period of time. Achilles Tendon Rupture, on the other hand, is a tear (or complete snapping) of the tendon, and usually occurs as the result of a sudden or unexpected force. In the case of a complete rupture, the only treatment available is to place the lower leg in a pl
