Achilles Tendonopathy

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone (calcaneus). There is a small sheath around the Achilles tendon which helps it glide and this is known as the peri-tendon or paratenon. This sheath can become inflamed and is often termed peritendinitis. If the Achilles tendon becomes damaged, healing is often delayed or absent as the tendon has a poor blood supply. This can result in some degeneration within the tendon termed tendinosis. These two conditions can be loosely termed Achilles tendonitis. It is also possible to have inflammation at the insertion of the Achilles tendon into the back of the heel where there is a small bursa which sits between the tendon and the heel bone that can also become inflamed.