ACHILLES TENDON PROBLEMS IN ATHLETICS

Abstract

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body. It is a tendinous structure (attaches muscle to bone) that originate from a combination of the gastrocnemius-soleus muscle located in the calf. The tendon attaches to the calcaneus and causes the foot to push off (planter flexion) when the calf muscles contracts.

The tendon is necessary for normal walking, running, and jumping. Athletic and traumatic injuries to the Achilles tendon are common and can be disabling.

l Most of Achilles tendon problems occur in middle-aged athletes and

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are basically overuse injuries. In a few cases, other medical conditions contribute to tendinopathy.

The aetiology of Achilles tendon problems are multifactional mainly intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Tlfe intrinsic factors including basic, primary and acquired. The extrinsic factors including. training errors, running surface and running shoes, Because of the limited blood supply and combination of forces to which it is subjected, aging and increased activity increasing the chance of injury to the Achilles tendon.

The problems classified mainly into insertional and noninsertional problems. The non insertional problems include : Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendinosis and Achilles tendon rupture. The insertional problems include : Achilles tendinitis, Achilles tendinosis, retrocalcaneal bursitis and Haglund's deformity.