Tendo calcaneus (achilles tendon)

Anatomy

This is the merging of the gastrocnemius and soleus tendons (sometimes plantaris tendon as well). It extends from the mid-calf to a smooth transverse area on the medial third of the posterior aspect of the calcaneus.

Functions

It is the distal tendon of the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles.

Clinical

Achilles tendinitis and ruptures of the tendon are common in sports which require eccentric stretching of the tendon, as in sprinting or tennis. Tightness to this tendon is visible clinically as a ‘kink’ or ‘belly’ in the tendon.

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