Achilles Tendonitis is a common condition that anyone could suffer from, regardless of their age or lifestyle. It occurs when the Achilles tendon in the lower leg becomes irritated and inflamed.
The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, and stretches from the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is used whenever you walk, run, climb stairs, jump or stand on your tip-toes. Although it can withstand great stresses from running and jumping it is also prone to Tendonitis, a condition associated with over-use and degeneration.
The onset of Achilles Tendonitis is usually gradual, with the most common symptoms being pain and swelling around the back of the leg or above the heel. The pain may be more acute immediately after a prolonged running session, or after climbing up a flight of stairs.