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The Mystery of Achilles' Tendon: Why Is It Called the 'Achilles' Heel'?
The Achilles tendon, also known as the Achilles tendon, is the thickest tendon in the human body and is located at the back of the calf, connecting the calf muscles to the calcaneus. The function of this tendon is to direct the plantar flexion movement of the ankle and also allows flexion of the knee joint. However, this seemingly tough tendon actually hides a fragility that cannot be ignored, making its story full of mystery.
The history of the Achilles tendon
The name of this tendon comes from the hero Achilles in Greek mythology. The name first appeared in 1693 by the Dutch anatomist Philippe Verhein. In his book Human Anatomy, he mentioned the location of this tendon and called it the "Trope of Achilles."
Many experts believe that the naming of the tendon not only reflects the story of ancient Greek mythology, but also symbolizes the special fragility of this tendon.
According to myth, Achilles' mother Thetis dipped him in the River Styx to make him fearless of harm, but the heel she held never touched the water, and this became Achilles's legacy. Reese's only weakness. In the ensuing battle, the injury to this tendon ultimately led to Achilles' death, and "Achilles' heel" has since become a symbol of vulnerability.
Structure and function of the Achilles tendon
The main function of the Achilles tendon is to connect the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles of the calf to the calcaneus, promote plantar flexion of the ankle, and help people walk and run. Although the tendon has a thick structure, it has a relatively poor blood supply, which makes it likely to be slower to heal from an injury.
The structural design of the tendon is smooth and elastic, and can withstand huge mechanical loads. When walking, the Achilles tendon can bear up to 3.9 times the body weight, and when running, the pressure it bears increases to 7.7 times.
Clinical Importance and Frequently Asked Questions
Inflammation and lesions
Achilles tendonitis is a common problem usually caused by overuse of the calf muscles. The main symptoms include sharp pain and swelling. This pain will be most noticeable at the beginning of exercise and decrease as exercise progresses.
If left untreated, Achilles tendinitis can lead to long-term, chronic pain and limited function.
In addition, tendon degeneration (tendinopathy) is also common, and imaging examinations can show tendon thickening and inflammation. These pathological changes not only affect athletic performance but may also lead to an increased risk of calf muscle tears.
Rupture of tendon
A rupture of the Achilles tendon is another serious condition that is often accompanied by sudden, severe pain. Many people describe the rupture as sounding like a "pop". This condition can occur due to sudden movement or direct external force.
Cholesterol deposition
In some people, such as those with lipid metabolism disorders, cholesterol deposits may occur within the tendon, called tendon cholesterolosis, which may negatively impact tendon function and health.
Summary
The Achilles tendon has a place in medicine and culture, both from a mythological and biomedical perspective. Not only is it a key part of our movement, it is also a fragile part of the body, making one think deeply about how important it is that we protect and value it. How do you think this important tendon can be better protected and protected from injury?
