Achilles tendon

Short description: Tendon at the back of the lower leg

Achilles tendon

The Achilles tendon or calcaneal tendon is attached to the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Details
Location| Back of the lower leg
Identifiers
Latin| tendo calcaneus, tendo Achillis
Anatomical terminology

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The Achilles tendon or heel cord, also known as the calcaneal tendon, is a tendon at the back of the lower leg, and is the thickest in the human body.[1][2][3][4][5][6] It serves to attach the plantaris, gastrocnemius (calf) and soleus muscles to the calcaneus (heel) bone. These muscles, acting via the tendon, cause plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle joint, and (except the soleus) flexion at the knee.

Abnormalities of the Achilles tendon include inflammation (Achilles tendinitis), degeneration, rupture, and becoming embedded with cholesterol deposits (xanthomas).

The Achilles tendon was named in 1693 after the Greek hero Achilles.[7]

## Contents

* 1 History
* 2 Structure
* 3 Function
* 4 Clinical significance
* 4.1 Inflammation
* 4.2 Degeneration
* 4.3 Rupture
* 4.4 Xanthomas
* 4.5 Neurological exam
* 5 Other animals
* 6 See also
* 7 References
* 8 External links

## History

The oldest-known written record of the tendon being named for Achilles is in 1693 by the Flemish/Dutch anatomist Philip Verheyen. In his widely used text Corporis Humani Anatomia he described the tendon's location and said that it was commonly called "the cord of Achilles."[8][9] The tendon has been described as early as the time of Hippocrates, who described it as the "tendo magnus" (Latin for "great tendon")[dubious - discuss] and by subsequent anatomists prior to Verheyen as "chorda Hippocratis" (Latin for "Hippocrates' string").[9]

Verheyen referred to the mythological account of Achilles being held by the heel by his mother Thetis when she dipped him in the River Styx as a baby to render his body invulnerable. As the heel by which she held him was not touched by the water, it was his one vulnerable spot (hence the expression "Achilles' heel") and he was eventually killed by a poison dart to the heel. The name thus also refers to the particularly disabling and painful effect of an injury to this tendon.[9] The first closed rupture was described by Ambroise Pare in the sixteenth century.[9]

The Achilles tendon is also known as the "tendo calcaneus" (Latin for "calcaneal tendon").[9] Because eponyms (names relating to people) have no relationship to the subject matter, most anatomical eponyms also have scientifically descriptive terms. The term calcaneal comes from the Latin calcaneum, meaning heel.

## Structure

The achilles tendon, tendo calcaneus attaches distally to the calcaneual tuberosity, and arises superiorly from the triceps surae complex of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. Achilles tendon at foetus

The Achilles tendon connects muscle to bone, like other tendons, and is located at the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon connects the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneal tuberosity on the calcaneus (heel bone).[10] The tendon begins near the middle of the calf, and receives muscle fibers on its inner surface, particularly from the soleus muscle, almost to its lower end. Gradually thinning below, it inserts into the middle part of the back of the calcaneus bone. The tendon spreads out somewhat at its lower end so that its narrowest part is about 4 cm (1.6 in) above its insertion.[11]

The tendon is covered by the fascia and skin, and stands out prominently behind the bone; the gap is filled up with areolar and adipose tissue. A bursa lies between the tendon and the upper part of the calcaneus. It is about 15 centimetres (6 in) long.

Along the side of the muscle, and superficial to it, is the small saphenous vein. The sural nerve accompanies the small saphenous vein as it descends in the posterior leg, traveling inferolateral to it as it crosses the lateral border of the Achilles tendon.[12] The tendon is the thickest tendon in the human body.[11] It can receive a load stress 3.9 times body weight during walking and 7.7 times body weight when running.[13]

The blood supply to the Achilles tendon is poor, and mostly via a recurrent branch of the posterior tibial artery, and some through arterial branches passing through surrounding muscles.[11]

## Function

Acting via the Achilles tendon, the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles cause plantar flexion of the foot at the ankle. This action brings the sole of the foot closer to the back of the leg. The gastrocnemius also flexes the leg at the knee. Both muscles are innervated by the tibial nerve.[14] Because the fibres of the tendon spiral about 90 degrees, fibres from the gastrocnemius tend to attach to the outer part of the bone, whereas fibres from the soleus tend to attach closer to the midline.[11]

Vibration of the tendon without vision has a major impact on postural orientation.[15] Vibration of the tendon causes movement backwards and the illusion of a forward body tilt in standing subjects.[16] This is because vibrations stimulate muscle spindles in the calf muscles. The muscle spindles alert the brain that the body is moving forward, so the central nervous system compensates by moving the body backwards.

## Clinical significance

### Inflammation

Main article: Medicine:Achilles tendinitis

Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is called Achilles tendinitis. Achilles tendinosis is the soreness or stiffness of the tendon, particularly worse when exercising, and generally due to overuse.[17] The most common symptoms are sharp achy pain and swelling around the affected tendon.[18][19][20] The pain is typically worse at the start of exercise and decreases thereafter.[21] Stiffness of the ankle may also be present.[17] Onset is generally gradual.[18]

It commonly occurs as a result of overuse such as running.[17][21] Other risk factors include trauma, a lifestyle that includes little exercise, high-heel shoes, rheumatoid arthritis, and medications of the fluoroquinolone or steroid class.[18] Diagnosis is generally based on symptoms and examination.[21]

While stretching and exercises to strengthen the back are often recommended for prevention, evidence to support these measures is poor.[22][23][24] Treatment typically involves rest, ice, non-steroidal antiinflammatory agents (NSAIDs), and physical therapy.[17][18] A heel lift or orthotics may also be helpful.[17][21] In those in who symptoms last more than six months despite other treatments, surgery may be considered.[17] Achilles tendinitis is relatively common.[17]

### Degeneration

Achilles tendon degeneration (tendinosis) is typically investigated with either MRI or ultrasound. In both cases, the tendon is thickened, may demonstrate surrounding inflammation by virtue of the presence of paratenonitis, retrocalcaneal or retro-achilles bursitis. Within the tendon, increased blood flow, tendon fibril disorganisation, and partial thickness tears may be identified. Achilles tendinosis frequently involves the mid portion of the tendon but may involve the insertion, which is then known as enthesopathy. Though enthesopathy may be seen in the context of advancing age, it is also associated with arthritis such as gout and the seronegative spondyloarthritides. Achilles tendinosis is a known risk factor for calf muscle tears.[25]

### Rupture

Main article: Medicine:Achilles tendon rupture

Achilles tendon rupture is when the Achilles tendon breaks.[26] Symptoms include the sudden onset of sharp pain in the heel.[18] A snapping sound may be heard as the tendon breaks and walking becomes difficult.[27]

Rupture typically occurs as a result of a sudden bending up of the foot when the calf muscle is engaged, direct trauma, or long-standing tendonitis.[27][26] Other risk factors include the use of fluoroquinolones, a significant change in exercise, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, or corticosteroid use.[28][26] Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and examination and supported by medical imaging.[26] Achilles tendon rupture occurs in about 1 per 10,000 people per year.[26] Males are more commonly affected than females.[28] People in their 30s to 50s are most commonly affected.[26]

Prevention may include stretching before activity.[27] Treatment may be by surgery or casting with the toes somewhat pointed down.[29][26] Relatively rapid return to weight bearing (within 4 weeks) appears okay.[29][30] The risk of re-rupture is about 25% with casting.[26] If appropriate treatment does not occur within 4 weeks of the injury outcomes are not as good.[31]

### Xanthomas

Tendon xanthomas are cholesterol deposits that commonly develop in the Achilles tendon of people with lipid metabolism disorders such as familial hypercholesterolemia.[32]

### Neurological exam

The Achilles tendon is often tested as part of a neurological examination. In this examination, the tendon is hit with a tendon hammer. This tests the S1 and S2 spinal nerves: a normal response is plantar flexion (downward movement) of the foot.[33]

Level or portion of tendon affected:[34]

* Paratendinopathy: The inflammation of a connective tissue sleeve which surrounds the tendon and protects it from friction, irritation, and repeated trauma
* Insertional: Eminently overuse-injury which frequently occurs in running and jumping athletes. Patients affected by insertional Achilles tendinopathy complain of pain on the posterior aspect of the heel and may have morning stiffness, swelling with activity and tenderness at the tendon insertion level.[35] If this condition becomes chronic, calcific deposits at the Achilles insertional level may be developed (due to microfractures and healing of the osteotendinous union) which can degenerate, if it persists over time, in the abnormal bony prominence on the posterior aspect of heel, condition known as Haglund deformity,[36] which can be painful and difficult close-shoes fitting due to friction and irritation.
* Mid-portion: Occurs approximately 2–7 cm proximal from the Achilles insertion[37] into the calcaneus. Characterized by a combination of pain and swelling at this level. It has associated a remarkable impaired performance.

## Other animals

The Achilles tendon is short or absent in great apes, but long in arboreal gibbons and humans.[38] It provides elastic energy storage in hopping,[39] walking, and running.[38] Computer models suggest this energy storage Achilles tendon increases top running speed by >80% and reduces running costs by more than three-quarters.[38] It has been suggested that the "absence of a well-developed Achilles tendon in the nonhuman African apes would preclude them from effective running, both at high speeds and over extended distances."[38]

## See also

* Heel lifts

## References

1. ↑ "Functional anatomy of the Achilles tendon". Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 18 (5): 638–643. May 2010. doi:10.1007/s00167-010-1083-7. PMID 20182867.
2. ↑ Elements of human anatomy: general, descriptive, and practical. Lippincott, Grambo, and Co.. 1854. pp. 441–. https://archive.org/details/61121440R.nlm.nih.gov.
3. ↑ McGlamry's comprehensive textbook of foot and ankle surgery. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 2001-06-01. ISBN 978-0-683-30471-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=scghAQAAMAAJ.
4. ↑ Robert Kennedy's Musclemag International Encyclopedia of Bodybuilding: The Ultimate A-Z Book on Muscle Building!. Musclemag International. 1997. ISBN 978-1-55210-001-1. https://archive.org/details/robertkennedysmu0000thor.
5. ↑ "Fascia-related disorders: Hypermobility.". Fascia: The Tensional Network of the Human Body: The science and clinical applications in manual and movement therapy. Elsevier Health Sciences. February 2013. pp. 218–. ISBN 978-0-7020-5228-6. https://books.google.com/books?id=GnfyOh4fDeUC&pg=PA218.
6. ↑ Muscles. Heinemann Library. 2003-06-27. ISBN 978-1-4034-3300-8. https://archive.org/details/muscles0000ball.
7. ↑ (in en) The Amazing Language of Medicine: Understanding Medical Terms and Their Backstories. Springer. 2017. p. 2. ISBN 9783319503288. https://books.google.com/books?id=z44JDgAAQBAJ&pg=PA2.
8. ↑ Corporis humani anatomia, Leuven: Aegidium Denique, 1693, p. 269, https://archive.org/stream/corporishumanian00verh#page/268/mode/2up, retrieved 12 Mar 2018, "Vocatum passim chorda Achillis, & ab Hippocrate tendo magnus. (Appendix, caput XII. De musculis pedii et antipedii, p. 269)"
9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 9.4 "The early history of tendo Achillis and its rupture". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. British Volume 89 (4): 545–547. April 2007. doi:10.1302/0301-620X.89B4.18978. PMID 17463129.
10. ↑ Elsevier's integrated anatomy and embryology. Philadelphia, Pa.: Elsevier Saunders. 2007. p. 225. ISBN 978-1-4160-3165-9.
11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 11.2 11.3 Gray's anatomy: the anatomical basis of clinical practice (40th ed.). London: Churchill Livingstone. 2008. p. 1451. ISBN 978-0-8089-2371-8.
12. ↑ "Locating the sural nerve during calcaneal (Achilles) tendon repair with confidence: a cadaveric study with clinical applications". The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 52 (1): 42–7. 2013. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2012.09.010. PMID 23099184.
13. ↑ "Calcaneal loading during walking and running". Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 32 (3): 627–634. March 2000. doi:10.1097/00005768-200003000-00012. PMID 10731005.
14. ↑ Gray's anatomy for students. Philadelphia: Elsevier/Churchill Livingstone. 2005. p. 546. ISBN 978-0-8089-2306-0.
15. ↑ "Effects of bilateral Achilles tendon vibration on postural orientation and balance during standing". Clinical Neurophysiology 118 (11): 2456–67. November 2007. doi:10.1016/j.clinph.2007.08.013. PMID 17897877.
16. ↑ "Effect of Achilles tendon vibration on postural orientation". Neuroscience Letters 416 (1): 71–75. April 2007. doi:10.1016/j.neulet.2007.01.044. PMID 17300868.
17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 17.4 17.5 17.6 "Achilles Tendinitis". March 2022. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/achilles-tendinitis/.
18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 18.3 18.4 "Common Soft Tissue Musculoskeletal Pain Disorders". Primary Care 45 (2): 289–303. June 2018. doi:10.1016/j.pop.2018.02.006. PMID 29759125.
19. ↑ "The diagnosis and treatment of heel pain: a clinical practice guideline-revision 2010". The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 49 (3 Suppl): S1-19. 2010-05-01. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2010.01.001. PMID 20439021.
20. ↑ "Heel Pain: Diagnosis and Management". American Family Physician 97 (2): 86–93. January 2018. PMID 29365222. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29365222.
21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 21.2 21.3 "Achilles Tendinitis". March 2018. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/injuries-poisoning/sports-injury/achilles-tendinitis.
22. ↑ "Stretching for prevention of Achilles tendon injuries: a review of the literature". Foot & Ankle International 27 (12): 1086–1095. December 2006. doi:10.1177/107110070602701215. PMID 17207437.
23. ↑ "Preventive interventions for tendinopathy: A systematic review". Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport 19 (3): 205–211. March 2016. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2015.03.008. PMID 25981200.
24. ↑ "Achilles tendinitis — Symptoms and causes" (in en). https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendinitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369020.
25. ↑ "Magnetic resonance imaging findings of injuries to the calf muscle complex". Skeletal Radiology 36 (10): 921–927. October 2007. doi:10.1007/s00256-007-0306-6. PMID 17483942.
26. ↑ 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 26.4 26.5 26.6 26.7 (in en) Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2016 E-Book: 5 Books in 1. Elsevier Health Sciences. 2015. p. 19. ISBN 9780323378222. https://books.google.com/books?id=bbLSCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA19.
27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 27.2 "Achilles Tendon, Rupture". StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing. 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430844/.
28. ↑ 28.0 28.1 "Achilles Tendon Tears". August 2017. https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/injuries-poisoning/sprains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/achilles-tendon-tears.
29. ↑ 29.0 29.1 "Effect of Early Versus Late Weightbearing in Conservatively Treated Acute Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Meta-Analysis". The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 57 (2): 346–352. March 2018. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2017.06.006. PMID 28974345.
30. ↑ "Rerupture rate after early weightbearing in operative versus conservative treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures: a meta-analysis". The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 52 (5): 622–628. 2012. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2013.03.027. PMID 23659914.
31. ↑ "Management of chronic ruptures of the Achilles tendon". The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery. American Volume 90 (6): 1348–1360. June 2008. doi:10.2106/JBJS.G.01241. PMID 18519331.
32. ↑ Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine (18th ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill. 2012. p. 3149. ISBN 978-0071748896.
33. ↑ Clinical Examination: A Systematic Guide to Physical Diagnosis (7th ed.). Elsevier India. 2013. p. 453. ISBN 9780729541985.
34. ↑ "Achilles tendinopathy". Emirates Integra. 28 August 2018. https://emiratesintegra.com/achilles-tendinopathy/.
35. ↑ "Achilles tendon disorders". The Medical Clinics of North America 98 (2): 331–338. March 2014. doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2013.11.005. PMID 24559878.
36. ↑ "Radiographic, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging analysis of insertional Achilles tendinopathy". The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery 53 (2): 147–151. March 2014. doi:10.1053/j.jfas.2013.12.009. PMID 24556480.
37. ↑ "Treatment for insertional Achilles tendinopathy: a systematic review". Knee Surgery, Sports Traumatology, Arthroscopy 21 (6): 1345–1355. June 2013. doi:10.1007/s00167-012-2219-8. PMID 23052113.
38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 38.3 "Evolutionary Robotic Approaches in Primate Gait Analysis". Int J Primatol 31 (2): 321–338. 2010. doi:10.1007/s10764-010-9396-4.
39. ↑ "In vivo mechanical properties of the human Achilles tendon during one-legged hopping". The Journal of Experimental Biology 208 (Pt 24): 4715–4725. December 2005. doi:10.1242/jeb.01950. PMID 16326953.

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