by Emma Sophie Bentley


The Achilles tendon named after the Greek mythological character, Achilles, is the largest and strongest Tendon within the human body. This Tendon is one of the numerous factors why we are able to walk upright. The Achilles tendon attaches the Calcaneus(heel bone) to the Soleus-gastrocnemius complicated (calf muscles). This incredibly difficult, fibrous tendon transfers the energy of the calf muscle to the force that lets you push your foot off of the ground.

Taking just one leap forward commences on the leg muscles. The actual leg muscles respond to anxiety, coupled to the brain, which inform the particular muscle tissue to contract. Whenever the muscle contracts this locations pressure about the Tendon. The Posterior muscle group transfers the stress to the surface of the heel bone. This pressure leads to the back heel bone to be pulled upwards. Any time the heel bone is taken upward it makes the pressure required to drive the feet off the floor. Apart from the tendon tugging around the Calcaneus (heel bone), there are many other factors which contribute to our capability to walk. The foot requirements to be stabilized laterally to maintain it from rolling side to side during the process of taking a step forward.

Achilles Tendonitis is a condition that occurs primarily because of an overuse of the region. After Tendonitis sets in, the Achilles tendon then becomes tight and painful. The regular gait cycle demands the ankle to move a total of 30 degrees. The constant movement of walking outcomes in constant lengthening and shortening of the tendon. This constant movement can cause inflammation and micro-trauma to the area.

The extreme shear forces placed on the insertion point of the tendon is usually what causes Achilles Tendonitis. The insertion point is exactly where the tendon attaches to the Calcaneus (heel bone). The point at which the tendon connects to the heel bone is where the maximum shear force is found. The tendon does have the capability to stretch a small amount, but because the tendon is so dense and fiborous is doesn't stretch a lot. When the calf muscles are tight and tense, the tendon will probably be beneath much more strain than normal. If the calf muscle is loose, the muscles stretch further taking tension off of the tendon.

Under a microscope, an Achilles Tendon should be white, glistening and firm. An Achilles Tendon that's plagued by Achilles Tendinitis is typically dull, slightly brownish in color and much softer than normal.




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