What is the anatomy and function of the Achilles tendon?
The Achilles tendon connects the muscles of the calf and to the heelbone. The tendon is large and must be able to withstand and transmit the large forces generated by these powerful muscles to move the foot. These forces can be many times our own body weight. The tendon is particular active with pushing down (plantar flexion) of the foot, and is therefore critical to perform in all sports, especially those in which jumping is critical. Correspondingly, sports such as basketball, track and field, and volleyball place high stresses on the Achilles tendon with jumping and landing, and are likely the highest risk for tendon injury. However, a torn achilles tendon has been reported with virtually every sport. The Achilles tendon is located just beneath the skin and can be palpated just above the heel bone. It is nourished by a blood supply from an enveloping sheath of tissue (paratenon), although an area approximately 2 to 4 centimeters above the tendon’s insertion into the heel bone is lea
