An inflammation or degeneration of the Achilles tendon, Achilles tendinitis effects the area that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

Increasing your running of long distances too quickly can inflame the Achilles tendon, as can adding strenuous hills or stair climbing to your routine, sudden or violent contractions of the calf muscles, overuse of the muscles, and a lack of flexibility of the calf muscles.

Improper or badly-worn footwear can cause problems, as can improper warm-up, inflexibility of the calf muscles, and an improper training program.

Symptoms include tenderness above the Achilles on the heel bone, stiffness that usually abates as the area is warmed up, pain after the activity that gets worse, and swelling of the area.

Treatment includes taking a break from the activity, wearing an orthotic, stretching, massage and icing.