The Achilles Tendon (B) is located behind the ankle and connects the main calf muscles to the foot. The upper attachment of the tendon (A) is to the Soleus and Gastrocnemius muscles, and the lower attachment (C) is to the heel bone, or calcaneous - but some fibers of the Achilles tendon are continuous with the plantar fascia of the foot. The tendon is surrounded by a thin sheath that can become irritated and inflamed (tendinitis) by direct contact such as a tight shoe rubbing on the back of the foot. The main body of the tendon itself or the muscle-tendon junction where the calf muscles meet the tendon can experience small tears from abrupt jolts due to tight calf muscles, rigidity of the foot , overuse or over-training, or scar tissue adhesion formation around the tendon. Chronic or recurrent Achilles tendon problems can stem from weakness or tightness of other leg muscles that makes push-off with the foot during walking or running more forceful in compensation.
The Achilles tendon sheath, main body of the tendon, and the muscle-tendon junction can be worked, along with the calf muscles themselves. Several ART treatment examples are shown below.
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| Underside of the Achilles tendon |
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| Top portion of the Achilles tendon toward the calf |
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| Lower attachment at the heel bone |
