How does an Achilles Tendon injury occur in athletes?
Most of the time, athletes will suffer an achilles tendon injury when a significant force is placed on the leg with the knee extended and foot pulled up (dorsi-flexed). This usually happens when awkwardly landing from a jump, and stresses the tendon when it is maximally stretched. This is a common occurrence and the basketball court. Although Achilles tendon ruptures have been classically associated with the “weekend” athlete that is over the age of 30, they are certainly not restricted to them. Professional, well-conditioned athletes have suffered from them as well. These include NFL players Vinny Testaverde and Takeo Spikes, tennis champion Boris Becker, and many all-star NBA players, including Dominique Wilkins, Elton Brand, and Christian Laettner (Pictures). What are the symptoms of a Achilles Tendon rupture in athletes? The symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture are generally not subtle. The athlete will usually complain about a “popping” that could be heard and felt when jumping
