The Achilles tendon has no true synovial tendon sheath — instead it is surrounded by the paratenon, a loose areolar connective tissue sleeve that allows tendon gliding and provides the extrinsic blood supply from its inner surface. Paratenon inflammation (peritendinitis) produces diffuse Achilles tenderness and crepitus along the full tendon length, distinct from the focal mid-portion tendinopathy that involves the tendon substance.
Allows gliding of the Achilles tendon; provides blood supply to the tendon through its vasculature
Achilles peritendinitis presents with diffuse tenderness along the full Achilles length and a painful crepitus palpable during ankle movement, in contrast to mid-portion tendinopathy which produces focal nodular tenderness at the avascular zone 2-6 cm above the insertion. Treatment of peritendinitis focuses on load management and anti-inflammatory measures; surgical paratenon release is rarely required.
Paratenon inflammation producing diffuse Achilles tenderness and crepitus managed with load reduction and anti-inflammatory treatment.
This website uses cookies to enhance your experience. Some are essential for site functionality, while others help us analyze and improve your usage experience. Please review your options and make your choice.
If you are under 16 years old, please ensure that you have received consent from your parent or guardian for any non-essential cookies.
Your privacy is important to us. You can adjust your cookie settings at any time. For more information about how we use data, please read our privacy policy. You may change your preferences at any time by clicking on the settings button below.
Note that if you choose to disable some types of cookies, it may impact your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
Some required resources have been blocked, which can affect third-party services and may cause the site to not function properly.
This website uses cookies to enhance your browsing experience and ensure the site functions properly. By continuing to use this site, you acknowledge and accept our use of cookies.
