Achilles tendonitis is inflammation, irritation, and swelling of the achilles tendon. There are two large muscles in the calf, the gastrocnemius and soleus. These muscles generate the power for pushing off with the foot or going up on the toes. The large achilles tendon connects these muscles to the heel. These are important muscles for walking. This tendon can become inflamed, most commonly as a result of overuse or arthritis, although inflammation can also be associated with trauma and infection. Tendonitis due to overuse is most common in younger individuals and can occur in walkers, runners, or other athletes, especially in sports like basketball that involve jumping. Jumping places a large amount of stress on the achilles tendon. Tendonitis from arthritis is more common in the middle aged and elderly patients. Arthritis often causes extra bony growths around joints, and if this occurs around the heel where the Achilles tendon attaches to the heel bone, the tendon can become inflamed and painful.

Symptoms:
• usually include pain in the affected heel when walking or running.
• The tendon is usually painful to touch and the skin over the tendon may be swollen and warm.
• Achilles tendonitis may predispose the patient to achilles rupture.
• Patients who experience this usually describe the injury as a sharp pain, like someone hit them in the back of the heel with a stick.

Possible modality:
• Functional custom made orthotics with temporary heel lifts raising heel 1/8’’ and/or varus wedge
• Medial forefoot posting
• Shock absorbing pad in heel