What Is the Achilles Tendon? Achilles Tendon Injury and Prevention

Created: 22.07.2026  ·  Last Updated: 22.07.2026  ·  Category: Orthopedics and Traumatology  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Medical Editorial Board.

The Achilles tendon is a strong type of tendon that starts from the heel bone and is connected to the calf muscles. It is the largest tendon in our body.

Important Information: If there is a sudden snapping sensation in the Achilles tendon, severe pain, difficulty walking, difficulty rising onto the toes, or marked swelling, medical evaluation should not be delayed.

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Where Does the Achilles Tendon Get Its Name?

It takes its name from Achilles, the hero in Greek mythology. According to Greek mythology, his mother Thetis held Achilles upside down and dipped him into a river to make him immortal; however, because Achilles was held by his heel, his heel did not touch the water and was therefore not included in immortality. Achilles’ heel remained his weak and vulnerable point. This mythological story led to the Achilles tendon being regarded as a weak and sensitive area and to the idea that this region can be easily injured.

Where Is the Achilles Tendon Located?

The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the lower leg, in the lower part of the calves, just above the heel bones.

What Is the Function of the Achilles Tendon?

One of the most important functions of the Achilles tendon is to transmit the contraction of the calf muscles to the heel bone during activities such as walking, running and jumping, thereby enabling movement of the ankle. Without this tendon, ankle mobility would be greatly limited.

Achilles Tendon Injury

The Achilles tendon may be injured due to causes such as sudden movements or aging. This condition may be observed with symptoms such as pain, swelling, redness and limitation of movement in the Achilles tendon. If the injury is severe, partial or complete tearing of the tendon may occur.

Clinical note: Achilles tendon injuries may be seen as strain, tendinitis, partial tear or complete rupture. The severity of symptoms, loss of movement and examination findings determine the treatment approach.

What Happens After an Achilles Tendon Injury?

As a result of an Achilles tendon injury, the person experiences pain and difficulty while performing normal activities. If left untreated, this condition may become chronic and lead to limitation of movement.

In the case of a complete rupture of the Achilles tendon, the person usually faces a serious condition that requires surgical intervention.

How Can We Protect Ourselves from Achilles Tendon Injury?

To protect against Achilles tendon injury, it is important to perform exercises slowly and regularly while doing sports, avoid excessive strain, regularly perform stretching and strengthening exercises, use appropriate sports shoes, exercise on suitable surfaces, and avoid forcing this area when pain occurs.

Do Not Delay Achilles Tendon Complaints

You can receive an evaluation from Academic Hospital specialists for Achilles tendon pain, swelling, movement limitation or suspected rupture.

Frequently Asked Questions

What causes Achilles tendon pain?
Achilles tendon pain may occur due to sudden strain, overuse, inappropriate footwear, exercising on hard surfaces, age-related tendon changes or tendon injury.
How can an Achilles tendon rupture be recognized?
Sudden and severe pain, a snapping sound or sensation, difficulty walking, difficulty rising onto the toes and marked tenderness behind the heel may suggest an Achilles tendon rupture. Medical evaluation is needed in this situation.
Can an Achilles tendon injury heal on its own?
Mild strains may improve with rest and appropriate care. However, if pain continues, swelling increases, walking is difficult or rupture is suspected, a physician should be consulted.
What should be done to prevent Achilles tendon injury?
Exercise intensity should be increased gradually, regular stretching and strengthening should be performed, appropriate sports shoes should be used, and activity should not be continued through pain.
Is surgery necessary when the Achilles tendon tears?
Surgical treatment may be required for complete tears. The treatment decision is made according to the degree of the tear, the patient’s age, activity level, general health status and specialist evaluation.
Academic Hospital note: If you have long-lasting Achilles tendon pain, swelling, movement limitation or suspected rupture, you can book an appointment for specialist evaluation.

References

The information in this article about Achilles tendon anatomy, injury, rupture, symptoms and prevention is supported by the following reliable health sources.

  1. Mayo Clinic, “Achilles Tendinitis”, mayoclinic.org
  2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, “Achilles Tendon Rupture (Tear)”, orthoinfo.org
  3. Cleveland Clinic, “Achilles Tendon Rupture”, clevelandclinic.org
  4. Cleveland Clinic, “Achilles Tendinitis”, clevelandclinic.org