The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body, but also happens to be the most frequently torn tendon (Reiman et al., 2014). It originates from the soleus muscle extending over to the two heads of the gastrocnemius and is inserted into the calcaneus. (Benjamin, Suzuki, & Toumi,2009, p.5). Occasionally it has been noted that in 2.9 – 5.5% of people, there is a third head of the gastrocnemius. (Benjamin, Suzuki, & Toumi, 2009, p.7). It is also the strongest and thickest tendon in the body. As the tendon reaches the calcaneus, it allows for elongation (which is the amount of extension that the tendon is able to undergo when it’s under stress). Furthermore, the elongation allows for a release of energy during movement. Moreover, the Achilles tendon bends the knee and plantar flexes the toes. Because the Achilles tendon connects to the leg muscles, it gives the ability to push off when one is …show more content…
It has an effect on blood vessels, whose role is to carry blood. The Achilles tendon has a very vascularized structure, which limits the blood supply of several different arteries, one of them being the posterior tibial artery. Because of the tendons limited blood supply, it makes it more susceptible to injury. The tendon receives blood from three several different sources: the muscle-tendon junction, the bone tendon junction and by the length of the tendon. (Hua & Li, 2016, p.2). As was mentioned earlier, the Achilles tendon has a very vascularized structure, the area that is 2 to 6 centimeters is the least vascularized area, because of this the ability to repair itself during times of stress is very limited. Although blood supply can also be derived from muscle bellies where the bone is distally from the tendon and inserts into the calcaneus (Sagllmbenl, 2016). As one progresses with age, the blood supply slowly begins to diminish, which leads the tendon to inflammation and quite possibly
Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two common overuse injuries that physical therapists treat in the clinic. On one hand, plantar fasciitis also known as subcalcaneal pain syndrome is an inflammation of the plantar fascia as well as the perifascial structures1. In its chronic stage, degenerative changes are noted in the fascia without active signs of inflammation, hence, classified as fasciosis instead of fasciitis2. This distinction is important as it often dictates the appropriate treatment approach and management. On the other hand, Achilles tendinopathy occurs when the Achilles tendon repetitively rubs over the bony protuberance resulting in inflammation
The posterior tibial tendon is one of the vital foot supporting structures. This fibrous begins in the calf muscles, stretching behind the ankle, then attaches to a midfoot bone. That bone is known as the navicular. It is very important in the structure of the arch. The posterior tibial tendon has an important role of securing the navicular in the right position. This in turn holds the arch of the foot in place, while providing support when tension is transferred from the toes to the rest of the foot. When this particular bone loses position due to tendon malfunction, the arch starts to sag, and eventually disappears. This leads to a flatfoot deformity. Post
The quads include the rectus femoris, and the vastus lateralis, intermedius, and medialis. This muscle group shares a common tendon at insertion. The patellar tendon inserts at the tibial tuberosity, and within this tendon lies the patella. The patella is anterior to the femur-tibia articulation, and this sesmoid bone increases the leverage of the quads by acting as a pulley. The major contributor to the stability of the knee joint is the strength of the quads. The only muscle that assists in extension is the tensor fascia lata.
Sometimes your tendon cell can get damaged but if it does happen it will be replaced with an even stronger one.
Supraspinatus tendonitis typically occurs when there is an impingement of the supraspinatus muscle of the shoulder joint between the acromion as it passes by the acromion and humerus head. In response, the supraspinatus tendon and the contiguous peritendinous soft tissues become inflamed. The supraspinatus is a muscle located in the supraspinatus fossa of the scapula located in the shoulder and is largely affected by supraspinatus tendonitis. The supraspinatus allows for the abduction of the shoulder and its insertion is the greater tuberosity of the humerus. Tendonitis is the inflammation of a tendon and commonly occurs in the elbows, knees, and shoulders. Therefore, supraspinatus tendonitis is the inflammation of the supraspinatus. This condition is a very common inflammatory problem because it can be caused by the abduction of the arm, which is involved in many sports and activities.
The quadriceps are comprised of four muscles: vastus lateralis, vastus medialis, vastus intermedialis, and rectus femoris. These muscles attach proximally at differing locations along the shaft of the femur and on the hip bone (rectus femoris only). They span the length of the femur and converge on the quadriceps tendon on the superior aspect of the patella and continue to the tibial tuberosity via the patellar tendon. The quadriceps are responsible for extending the knee, assisting in proper tracking of the patella, and preventing posterior translation of the tibia on the femur (Moore
The knee is one of the largest and most complex joints in the body. The knee has two joints the tibia (shin bone) joins the femur (thigh bone) this joint is known as the tibiofemoral joint the second joint is called patellofemoral which are joins between the kneecap and the femur. The patellofemoral and tibiofemoral works together to form the synovial hinge joint this hinge joint allows the knee to rotate a little and move side to side, it also allows the knee to be straight and bend. When standing the thigh (femur) and shin bone (tibia) locks together to form a firm component; when sitting the two bones hardly touch each other. According to HealthPages, there are five main parts of the knee joints which are bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilages
Calf injuries usually occur as a result of a sudden pushing off movement or from excessive over-stretching of the calf muscles as demonstrated in jumping activities or during quick changes of direction. Symptoms of a calf strain can vary significantly but usually involve a sudden sharp pain at the back of the lower leg. The calf muscle will often be tender to touch at the point of injury and swelling and bruising may appear within hours or days. Depending on how bad the calf injury is, the athlete may be able to continue exercising although he/she will often have some discomfort / tightness during or after the session. When injuries are more severe the athlete can recall when the injury occurred and or they may be unable to walk due to severe
Achilles tendinitis is inflammation of the tough, cord-like band that attaches the lower muscles of your leg to your heel (Achilles tendon). It is usually caused by overusing the tendon and joint involved.
The peroneal tendon can suffer from degenerative injury as well as an acute injury. If the damage is caused by a sudden increase in activity such as beginning running after being sedentary, you might experience pain in your foot and ankle over the area of the injury. The pain might be worse when you turn your foot from side to side. If you
Christopher et al , 2008 stated that the knee is the largest joint in the body and is a relatively unstable and intricate joint with numerous tendinous, ligamentous, and meniscal attachments, which makes it particularly vulnerable to complex injuries after trauma. ( 85 )
Achilles tendinitis is when the Achilles tendon becomes inflmed. This is the tend that runs from the calf to the back of your heal. You'll find that this tendon is painful and stiff, especially when you are active or when you get up in the morning. This injury occurs when the tendon is put under repetitive stress and often occurs when you add too much distance to your runs too fast. Calf muscles that are tight also contribute to this problem. Do calf stretches, rest the tendon and ice it regularly to reduce pain in the area.
Tendons are some of the most important tissues in the body of any organism, transferring the power created by the muscles to the bones and allowing coordinated body movements to occur. However, until recently there was very little known about the origin of this tissue and most of the research performed focused on the limbs and the tendons associated with them. Along with the limited amount of research seemingly none of it was focused on the axial and ventrolateral body wall tendons. It was not until the discovery of Scleraxis (Scx), a bHLH transcription factor found in progenitor cells and mature tendons, that tendons could be observed through the embryonic stages (Schweitzer et al.
The plantaris is so small some people usually confuses it as a nerve. Many people do not have this muscle. The plantaris descends medially, condensing into a tendon that runs down the leg, between the gastrocnemius and soleus. Because it crosses at the knee it goes all the way to the ankle it allows one to point their toes downward. There are four muscles in the deep part of the posterior leg. One muscle, the popliteus, deal with the knee joint. The remaining three muscles (tibialis posterior, flexor hallucis longus and flexor digitorum longus) deals with the ankle and foot.
There are twenty-three different sports injuries. the first one on the list would be an achilles tendon injury. The achilles is the biggest tendon in your body, it is very common for this tendon to get injured. The tendon gets injured in the following sports such as basketball, baseball, softball, football, soccer, tennis, volleyball, running, dancing, and gymnastics.