Reducing the Risk of Achilles Tendon Tears

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone, making it one of the strongest and largest in the body. 
This tendon plays a pivotal role in every step we take.

Tearing it - partially or completely - will mean downtime from activity, rehabilitation … and pain.

Recreational sports account for 80 percent of Achilles tears.
Performing repetitive movements such as running, jumping, cutting, and starting and stopping quickly puts tremendous pressure on the Achilles tendon.

Overuse and “powering through” meaning continuing your sport through the discomfort don’t help matters either.

Weekend warriors between the ages of 30 and 50 are most at risk of suffering an Achilles tear.

Our Achilles tendon tightens up as we age, and proper stretching and warming-up is often neglected by players who don’t play consistently, and try to go all out immediately.

• Achilles tears can be noticed by a popping or snapping sound;
• pain and swelling in the heel area;
• a feeling of having been kicked in the calf; or
• inability to “push off” when walking.

It is preferable to prevent Achilles tears than to treat them:

• Your Achilles tendon can remain flexible as you age by stretching every day.
• Your Achilles tendon will benefit from strong calf muscles. Every day, perform calf raises standing and seated.
• If you want to increase the length or intensity of your workout, do it gradually. Take it easy at first, and don't overdo it.
• You should vary your workouts. Give your Achilles tendons a break by mixing in some low-impact exercises.
• Make sure you wear the right shoes! It is essential to have good heel cushioning.
• If you have lingering heel pain, don't ignore it.

Put your workouts on pause and schedule an appointment with our office for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
We can also assist you with a stretching/strengthening regimen and shoe selection.