Technical Tuesday Achilles Tendon
The Achilles tendon is also called the calcaneal tendon. The gastrocnemius and soleus of the
calf come together as one band of tissue which becomes the Achilles tendon. It
is the strongest and largest tendon in the body, and an important one for
dancers to understand.
The Achilles tendon
is subjected to the highest loads in the body, especially during the rigors of classical ballet. It is highly susceptible to injury especially in dancers who
habitually fail to “put their heels down”. Correct use of a good plie allows this
tendon to relax in between jumps, etc.
The term “Achilles
tendon” is said to have been coined by Lorenz Heister, a German surgeon. He
based it on the Greek myth of Achilles, whose mother held him by the heel when
she dipped him in the River Styx. The water made Achilles invincible – except for
his heel.
From the Big Blue Book of Ballet Secrets:
Anatomical Secret #24b:
“The Achilles tendon
connects the calf muscles to the heel.”
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