8 Chapter 1 PREFACE "War will be always, until mankind reaches a point where it becomes extinct or destroys itself." This powerful saying by Achilles, a legendary Greek warrior known for his strength, in Homer's poem "The Iliad" reflects the nature of human struggle. The name "Achilles tendon" originates from his story, where he was struck in the heel by an arrow during the Trojan War. The arrow pierced the tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, and led to his downfall. Consequently the tendon was named after him due to the belief that it was his only weak spot. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and is responsible for transmitting forces from the calf muscles to the heel bone, allowing for forceful propulsion during activities such as running and jumping.1 Just as Achilles faced the challenges of war, many people nowadays have their own battle, although on a different battleground – their struggles to stay healthy and physically active. One such battle is fought against a condition known as Achilles tendinopathy. Achilles tendinopathy is a condition that involves localized pain, thickening of the tendon, and impaired load-bearing capacity.2-4 While the cause of Achilles tendinopathy is not related to the mythological weakness of Achilles, the name serves as a reminder of the injury prone nature of the tendon. Clinicians and researchers are continuously trying to understand the exact causes and manage the effects of this often debilitating condition. This thesis explores the impact, diagnostic imaging modalities and prognosis of Achilles tendinopathy, aiming to contribute in the ongoing ´battle´ to alleviate its burden.
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