Achilles tendonitis, enthesis, tenosynovitis, and bursitis are all terms that can be used interchangeably for the pain associated with the back of the heel.
The achilles tendon is the co-joined tendon of the Gastrocnemius and the soleus muscle which form the thickened tendon at the back of the leg as it inserts into the heel bone.
This structure becomes inflamed and damaged from a variety of mechanical forces: pronation (inward tilting of the heel) or supination (outward tilting of the heel); excessive weight; over-use, such as running or tennis or other sport activities; and sometimes metabolic problems, such as diabetes, arthritis or even gout can play a major role in inflammation of the achilles tendon. However, most achilles tendon problems are mechanical in nature.
Treatment:
Shortened achilles tendons (equinus deformities) are usually acquired by people who have worn high heeled shoes (any heel that is over an inch high) and who experience pain when they try to go down to a lower heeled shoe. The achilles shortening is best relieved with stretching exercises.
