Five ailments which can cause pain in the achilles tendon area are: (1) muscular strain, involving the stretching or tearing of muscle or tendon fibers; (2) a contusion, inflammation or infection called tenosynovitis; (3) tendonitis, the inflammation of the tendon; (4) calcaneal bursitis, the inflammation of the bursa between the achilles tendon and the calcaneus (heel bone); and (5) an avulsion fracture which occurs when the tendon pulls away from its attachment carrying with it a small piece of bone. Treatment of these problems ranges from simple rest to surgery; however, the best treatment is the prevention of the injury. Preventive steps which can be taken include proper warmup, a good flexibility program, a high level of conditioning, proper running shoes, and slow progression when increasing speed or distance. Advice of a physician should be sought early in order to ensure proper diagnosis and treatment. (DC)