Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon, plantar fascia, and calcaneus (heel bone) form an anatomically connected hindfoot continuum. When the Achilles tendon is tense, the pulling force on the calcaneus increases, placing an overload on the plantar fascia. Conversely, if the plantar fascia becomes stiff, the foot's shock absorption decreases, increasing stress on the Achilles tendon. To treat both conditions simultaneously, it is necessary to restore the flexibility and strength of the entire calf, Achilles tendon, and plantar fascia. In Korean medicine, the simultaneous occurrence of Achilles tendinitis and plantar fasciitis is interpreted as stiffness and pain in the area resulting from the stagnation of Qi and blood in the meridians that share the heel region. Treating key acupoints on the inner and outer ankles, soles, and calves together improves Qi and blood circulation throughout the entire hindfoot. Dongjedang enhances time and cost efficiency by providing an integrated assessment of the continuous structure of the hindfoot during a single consultation and treating both conditions concurrently.