Ankle Sprains:
An ankle sprain happens when the ligaments, which are like bands that connect your bones, get stretched or torn. This often occurs when the ankle twists or turns in an awkward way, like when you step on an uneven surface. It can lead to pain, swelling, and difficulty moving the ankle. Imagine the ligaments as elastic bands that hold everything in place, and a sprain happens when these bands get pulled or overstretched.
Achilles Tendonitis:
The Achilles tendon is a strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscles to your heel bone. Tendonitis is when this tendon gets irritated or inflamed. It can happen from overuse, like repetitive jumping or running, or from sudden increases in activity. Imagine the Achilles tendon as a tough rope connecting your calf to your heel, and tendonitis occurs when this rope gets irritated, causing pain and discomfort in the back of your leg, especially near the heel.