The Achilles tendon runs from your calf muscles down to the back of the heel where it attaches to the heel bone. The tendon works with your calf muscles to move your ankle when you walk.

Achilles tendonitis is a general term that describes inflammation of the Achilles tendon.  Medical professionals use similar terms such as Achilles tendonopathy or Achilles tenosynovitis, which help them identify where precisely the inflammation is occurring.

Achilles tendonitis is associated with excessive pronation that lowers the arch, flattens your foot and pulls on the tendon, increasing the strain placed on it to a point at which the fibres of the tendon begin to tear, causing inflammation.

 The Achilles tendon also lifts the arch of the foot as you walk. When your foot is excessively pronated, the tendon and calf muscle have to work harder to lift the flat foot placing further stress and strain on the tendon, resulting in further tearing and inflammation.

The treatment of Achilles tendonitis involves using Pedistep orthotics to limit the excessive pronation and support the feet.  

A period of rest from physical activities may be beneficial once the orthotics are being worn.  The rest will provide time for the fibres of the tendon to repair themselves and for the inflammation to subside and continuing to wear the Pedistep orthotics after the injury has healed will prevent if re-occurring.