bone, joint, and muscle disorders
Achilles Tendon Enthesopathy
Introduction
Achilles tendon enthesopathy is pain where the Achilles tendon attaches to the back of the heel bone. People typically feel pain at the back of the heel when walking. Diagnosis includes an examination of the tendon and sometimes x-ray. Stretching, night splints, and heel lifts may help. (See also Overview of Foot and Ankle Problems .) The cause of Achilles tendon enthesopathy is chronic traction (pulling) of the Achilles tendon where it attaches to the heel bone. Contracted or shortened Achilles tendon caused by being sedentary and overweight or caused by athletic overuse increase the risk. Occasionally, people with Achilles tendon enthesopathy have arthritis elsewhere ( Overview of Spondyloarthritis ). Use of antibiotics called Fluoroquinolones increase the risk of Achilles tendinitis and rupture of the tendon especially in people over age 60. Typically, people feel pain at the back of the heel below the top of the shoe when walking. 