Why Is it Called the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon connects the heel to the calf muscle and is the strongest and thickest tendon in the human body. It is named after the weak ankle of an ancient Greek hero.

History

• The Achilles Tendon is named after the Greek warrior Achilles, who was prophesied to be killed during the Trojan War. Achilles' mother, Thetis, attempted to make her son immortal by dunking him in the River Styx and managed to make him invincible everywhere but the ankle where she held him.

Significance

• An Achilles Heel refers to a person's weakness. Achilles died during the Trojan War after being wounded in the heel.

Function

• The Achilles tendon is vital to normal leg function, and rupture or breakage of the tendon makes walking impossible.

Considerations

• Anyone can suffer from a ruptured Achilles tendon, although they are most common in middle-aged athletes who have not been properly training. According to Everything About Achilles Tendons, the Achilles tendon is particularly susceptible to degeneration and is the most commonly ruptured tendon.

Warning

• Signs of an Achilles tendon injury include a loud pop or snap, severe pain in the calf, a gap or depression above the ankle bone, and being unable to push off toes when walking. It is repaired surgically and then casted for 4 to 9 weeks.