hilles tendon enthesopathy is pain at the insertion of the Achilles tendon at the posterosuperior aspect of the calcaneus. Diagnosis is clinical. Treatment is with stretching, splinting, and heel lifts.The cause is chronic traction of the Achilles tendon on the calcaneus. Contracted or shortened calf muscles (resulting from a sedentary lifestyle and obesity) and athletic overuse are factors. Enthesopathy may be caused by a spondyloarthropathy (seeOverview of Seronegative Spondyloarthropathies).Pain at the posterior heel below the top of the shoe counter during ambulation is characteristic. Pain on palpation of the tendon at its insertion in a patient with these symptoms is diagnostic. Manual dorsiflexion of the ankle during palpation usually exacerbates the pain. Recurrent and especially multifocal enthesitis should prompt evaluation (history and examination) for a spondyloarthropathy.Treatment Stretching, splinting, and heel liftsPhysical therapy is essential for home exercise programs aimed at calf musclestretching techniques, which should be done for about 10 min 2 to 3 times/day. The patient can exert pressure posteriorly to stretch the calf muscle while facing a wall at arms length, with knees extended and foot dorsiflexed by the patient's body weight. To minimize stress to the Achilles tendon with weight bearing, the patient should move the foot and ankle actively through their range of motion for about 1 min when rising after extended periods of rest. Night splints may also be prescribed to provide passive stretch during sleep and help prevent contractures.Heel lifts should be used temporarily to decrease tendon stress during weight bearing and relieve pain. Even if the pain is only in one heel, heel lifts should be used bilaterally to prevent gait disturbance and possible secondary (compensatory) hip and or low back pain.