What it means
The largest and strongest tendonTEN-dunA tough cord of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.ten/o, tendin/o tendonFull entry in the body, named after Achilles, the Greek hero whose heel was his only weak spot. Tapping it with a reflex hammer tests the ankle reflex. It can tear with sudden effort in sport, and drugs such as fluoroquinolone antibiotics (for example ciprofloxacinsip-roh-FLOK-suh-sinA fluoroquinolone antibiotic, by mouth or IV, used for urinary, gut, bone and some lung infections.Full entry ) raise the risk of tendon problems.
For the nurse
Teach clients taking a fluoroquinolone to stop exercising and call the provider if they feel pain or swelling at the back of the heel.
At a glance
| Also written | Achilles, calcaneal tendon |
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Related terms
reflex
An automatic body response to something that stimulates it, which happens without thought, such as the knee jerk.
tendon
A tough cord of tissue that attaches a muscle to a bone.
ciprofloxacin
A fluoroquinolone antibiotic, by mouth or IV, used for urinary, gut, bone and some lung infections.
clubfoot
A birth defect in which one or both feet are twisted inward and downward.