What is the name of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone?

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Also called the calcaneal tendon or heel cord, it joins the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles to the calcaneus at the back of the foot.

When the calf muscles contract, the Achilles tendon transmits their force to the foot and produces plantar flexion at the ankle—the movement used to stand on tiptoe, push off while walking, and drive the foot during running. It is the thickest tendon in the human body and handles substantial loads.

The name comes from Achilles, the Greek mythological hero whose vulnerable heel became the source of the expression “Achilles’ heel.” The anatomical name “calcaneal tendon” is more descriptive: calcaneal refers to the calcaneus, the heel bone.

A frequent mix-up is confusing the Achilles tendon with the patellar tendon. The patellar tendon links the kneecap to the shinbone, whereas the Achilles tendon lies behind the ankle. Achilles tendinitis involves irritation or degeneration; a rupture is a more severe tear that can make walking or pushing off difficult.