This is a very common condition for people of all activity levels, but especially those who are active through running, walking, or sports. The Achille’s Tendon is the largest tendon in the lower leg and is the end of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles in the calf as they insert onto the heel bone. The calf muscles, when they contract, cause the toes to point (like a ballerina). Their most important job is to propel the body forward when walking or running or propel it upward for jumping. Unfortunately, if the tendon is weakened, then repeated contraction of the calf muscles through these activities will cause pain. The pain can be anywhere in the calf, but is most commonly in the calf musculature itself or in the tendon down toward the heel. The pain can be a burning-type or a soreness or even feel like a cramp is going to happen (or has happened) in the calf.
This condition is best treated using Manual therapy like Active Release to restore the strength of the tendon and with Functional Rehabilitation to improve the strength of the calf musculature. In addition, Kinesio® Taping Method commonly helps to assist the tendon in performing its job with less pain.