Achilles Tendon Problems

Achilles tendinopathy is most often caused by:

• Overuse or repeated movements during sports, work, or other activities. In sports, a change in how long, intensely, or often you exercise can cause microtears in the tendon. These tears are unable to heal quickly and will eventually cause pain. A change in your environment, such as going from a flat surface to a hill or from a paved road to a dirt road, can also cause these tears.
• Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion. These injuries are common in such activities as running, basketball, tennis, or ballet dancing.
• Poor conditioning or warm-up. This can happen when you start a new activity or haven't stretched before and after an activity.
• Shoes with poor arch support or rigid heels that don't cushion the heel.

Achilles tendon rupture is most often caused by:

• Sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during an intense athletic activity or even during simple running or jumping, especially in middle-aged adults. A Reference rupture Opens New Window most often occurs in sports such as basketball, racquet sports (including tennis), soccer, and softball.
• Overstretching the tendon during any activity when the tendon is already damaged because of Achilles tendinopathy or another condition.
• Previous corticosteroid injections. (In the past, these were a common treatment for overuse tendon injury.) Corticosteroids can weaken or break down tendon tissue, making it more likely to rupture.

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