The Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) is the large tendon connecting the
two major calf muscles to the back of your heel bone. If there's
too much stress on the Achilles, the tendon can tighten and is
forced to work too hard. When the tendon becomes inflamed, which
is called tendonitis (tehn-dih-NYE-this), it can produce a
covering of scar tissue. This scar tissue is less flexible than
the tendon, and with continued stress it can tear (tehr) or
rupture. There are several factors that contribute to Achilles
tendinitis, including tight or fatigued calf muscles, excessive
hill running, and inflexible running shoes. Runners who rotate
their feet too far inward on impact are also susceptible to
Achilles tendinitis. Initial symptoms of tendinitis can include
dull or sharp pain anywhere along the back of the tendon, but
usually close to your heel. Also, limited flexibility, redness
or heat over the painful area, a cracking sound when you move
your ankle, or a small lump located on your tendon can be
symptoms of tendinitis. If