Achilles tendonitis is inflammation of the Achilles tendon, the band of tissue that connects calf muscles at the back of the lower leg to your heel bone. It is caused by repetitive or intense strain on the tendon. Also called the heel cord, the Achilles tendon is used when you walk, run, jump or push up on your toes. It is often a running injury or other sport-related injury resulting from overuse, intense exercise, jumping, or other activities that strain the tendon and calf muscles. Most cases of Achilles tendonitis can be treated with persistent, relatively simple, at-home care under your doctors supervision. More serious cases of Achilles tendonitis can lead to tendon tears (ruptures) and may require surgery to repair damaged tissues.

Symptoms

Mild ache or pain at the back of the leg and above the heel after running or other sports activity.

Episodes of more severe pain associated with prolonged running, stair climbing or intense exercise, such as sprinting.

Tenderness or stiffness, especially in the morning, that usually improves with mild activity.

Mild swelling or a "bump" on your Achilles tendon.

A crackling or creaking sound when you touch or move your Achilles tendon.

Weakness or sluggishness in your lower leg.

Causes

A rapid increase in the distance or speed of a running regimen.

New or intense hill running or stair climbing.

Sports that require jumps or sudden starts and stops, such as basketball or tennis.

Exercising without warming up.

A new, intense exercise regimen after a long period of not exercising regularly.

Poor flexibility in the calf muscles.

Running on uneven or hard surfaces.

Wearing shoes that are worn out or inappropriate for the activity.

A naturally flat arch, which can put more strain on the Achilles tendon.

Other slight variations in the foot, ankle or leg anatomy that may put extra strain on the tendon.

Traumatic injury to the tendon.

Western medicine treatments

1) Rest
2) Ice
3) Compression
4) Anti-inflammatory medications
5) Stretching and exercise
6) Surgery

Adopted from Wei Laboratories, Inc.