Preventing and treating Achilles tendonitis

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. You use it whenever you point and flex your feet, such as pushing off the ground during walking, running or jumping.

“As people get older, their tendons gradually lose their elasticity and flexibility, making them more susceptible to stress,” says Edward Laskowski, M.D., who specializes in sports medicine and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.

Without protective measures, the tendon is more likely to become inflamed, especially with overuse. This condition is called tendinitis.