At the posterior aspect of the heel is a prominent crest running horizontally between the upper and lower posterior calcaneal surfaces. The Achilles tendon gains attachment to the upper surface; the lower surface, covered by a fat pad, slopes forward to the medial and lateral tubercles on the inferior aspect of the calcaneus. Palpation of the posterior aspect of the talus is obscured by the Achilles tendon, which overlies it before inserting on the calcaneus.