My Flat Feet

Introduction: The Achilles Tendon and Tendonitis

The Achilles Tendon, also known as the calcaneal tendon or the tendo calcaneus, is located in the back part of the leg, behind the ankle. Its purpose is to attach the calf muscle to the heel bone in the foot.

Named after the Greek warrior who could only be mortally wounded in his heel, the Achilles tendon is the strongest and thickest tendon in the human body. It supports your body’s weight during exercise and everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs. Pain in the Achilles tendon area is commonly reffered to as Achilles Tendonitis (Tendinitis) or Achilles Tendon Pain.

Causes of Achilles Tendonitis

In general Achilles Tendonitis Pain is caused by excessive or unbalanced tension in the Achilles tendon which causes micro tears in the lower part of the tendon, wehre it attaches to the heel bone. Symptoms of this condition include pain in the Achilles tendon during activity; pain can even increase once activity was stopped. In general, tenderness can be felt along the course of the tendon and sometimes a nodule can form on the tendon. Excessive wear of the shoes in the heel region can also be a sign associated with Achilles Tendonitis and pain.

Tendon injury can be caused by an imbalance in the calf muscle or by excessive pronation which is generally associated with Flat Feet.  Sometimes pain in the achilles tendon area is caused by friction (rubbing)  of the shoes against the tendon in the heel area. Excessive phisical activity, pronation or other imbalance that affects foot mechanics may cause higher than normal shearing or stretching forces to be placed on the Achilles tendon. Excessive pronation seems to be the most common cause of  pain associated with Achilles Tendonitis.

Treatment of Achilles Tendonitis

Insoles or orthotics can help relief the tendon by the correction of malalignments that strain and stress Achillles Tendon and ultimately reduce the pain that is commonly associated with Achilles Tendonitis .  Depending on the severity of the injury, a doctor could prescribe appropriate medication. In severe injuries such as Achilles tendon rupture, surgery can be necessary to repair the damaged tendon.

Achilles Tendonitis and Flat Feet

One of the factors leading to Achilles Tendonitis can be Flat feet or over-pronation during walking or running. Posture Control Insoles are an innovative insole that corrects over-pronation through proprioception. Here you can read more about the Posture Control Insoles.

Most Commented Topics:

• Posture Control Insoles – 2009 Update
• Other orthotics for flat feet
• Exercises for flat feet
• Flat Feet
• Flat Feet in Children
• Arch Pain
• Thinking footwear? Keep it simple
• My Posture Control Insoles are here!!
• Introduction
• Wet Foot Test