Achilles Tendon Injuries

The AchillesTendon is vulnerable to a host of injuries being the conjoined anatomical anchor of the large Gastro-soleus muscle group and because of the powerful role that it plays in gait mechanics.
The Gastro-soleus group traverses the knee, ankle, and sub-talar articulations. Mechanically it functions during contact and mid-stance to supinate and stabilise the foot and contributes to heel lift and toe off during propulsion.
These injuries include associated bursitis, tendonitis, partial and complete ruptures. AchillesTendon problems are found in all age groups from about age 9 onwards, often associated with vigorous walking and sporting activity, yet are frequently due to just normal day to day activities.
Mechanically, AchillesTendon problems are due to or exacerbated by excessive pronation or supination and therefore are seen in both pes-planus and pes-cavus foot types.
Boney deformities of the Calcaneus, particularly the retro-calcaneal spur can be the source of irritation to the tendon and to bursae superficial and deep to the tendon.