Achilles tendon
A large tendon at the back of the ankle which connects the calf muscles (gastrocnemius and soleus) to the heel bone (calcaneus). The tendon is very susceptible to injuries. An Achilles tendon weakened by lack of exercise may rupture if the calf muscle contracts suddenly; for example, when a badminton player suddenly changes from a backward to a forward motion or when a jogger misjudges a curb, and lands too far forward on his or her foot. A rupture is often accompanied by a loud crack and the victims often think that they have been struck violently behind the heel. In extreme cases, the tendon maybe completely ruptured, leaving the victim incapacitated and requiring surgery. Less severe than a complete rupture, but more common is ... ...
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