Tendonitis is an inflammation or swelling of a tendon, the thick cord of inelastic fibrous tissue that connects a muscle to its bony attachment.
The tendon of the Achilles (calcaneal tendon) is the tendon that runs from the heel to the calf, connecting the calf muscles to the bone of the heel. It is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. Achilles tendonitis is the inflammation of this specific tendon.
You use your Achilles tendon every time you walk, run, or jump. These activities require movements of the heels. This motion is aided by the Achilles tendon. It makes it so that when a contraction of your calf causes your heel to follow in motion.
Inflammation of the Achilles tendon is a very painful condition that develops as a result of frequent activity. It may also happen due to age as the tendon grows weaker and starts to degenerate. People with poor foot biomechanics i.e. people who have flat feet or high arches are more likely to develop it than people who don’t.
In addition to pain, the Achilles tendon causes the back of the heel to become stiff. Depending on the severity of the condition, it may interfere with a person’s ability to walk.
Worse in The Mornings
Achilles tendonitis is marked by pain and stiffness in the tendon of the heels. Most people who suffer from the condition may observe that the pain and stiffness are more severe in the mornings. You may also feel the tightness more intensely when you leave a position of rest or shortly after a period of physical activity.