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Achilles Tendon

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Achilles tendon and calf muscles

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. The calf muscle is actually two muscles, the gastrocnemius muscle and the soleus muscle. The soleus lies underneath the gastrocnemius.

The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the body. It allows you to rise up on your toes and push off while walking or running.

Current as of: June 26, 2019

Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Anne C. Poinier, MD - Internal Medicine
Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
David Bardana, MD, FRCSC - Orthopedic Surgery, Sports Medicine

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