Sports like basketball are physically demanding. Players constantly run up and down the court, jump for rebounds and shots, and make sharp cuts. This constant motion puts a lot of stress on the Achilles tendon, a crucial tendon in the lower leg that connects the calf muscle to the heel bone. It’s responsible for allowing us to point our toes, which is vital for running, jumping, and just about every movement in basketball.
In the NBA playoffs recently, three big-name players had serious Achilles injuries. Basketball is tough. Players run, jump, and make sharp movements a lot, stressing the Achilles tendon. When three players get hurt in the playoffs, it raises questions:
Are Achilles injuries more common now? If so, is it because the game is tougher, with players doing more?
To figure this out, we should check injury numbers, look at how training and the game have changed, and talk to doctors. What does recovery look like? Are some players more at risk? How has treatment improved? This will show if there are really more injuries or if it just seemed that way during the playoffs.
What Exactly Is the Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon is a strong tissue that connects your calf muscles (the muscles in the back of your lower leg) to your heel bone.
You use it whenever you:
- Walk
- Run
- Jump
- Stand on your toes
It is the strongest tendon in your body, but it can still get injured, especially if you push yourself too hard.
Why Are More Players Tearing Their Achilles?
It seems like we’re seeing more of these injuries in basketball lately. Here’s why:
1. The Game is Faster and More Physical: Players these days are bigger, stronger, and faster. The game involves lots of quick movements, powerful jumps, and sudden stops, which all put extra stress on the Achilles.
2. More Training, Less Recovery: Many professional players train year-round now and don’t take long breaks between seasons. This can wear down the Achilles over time.
3. Too Much Playing Time: Coaches might be playing their starters for longer periods. When you’re tired, your body is more likely to get injured.
4. Ignoring Pain: Some players try to play through minor pains or injuries. This can turn a small issue into something serious, like a complete Achilles tear.
What Does an Achilles Injury Feel Like?
There are two main types of Achilles injuries:
1. Tendon Pain (Tendinitis or Tendinopathy):
- It feels like a dull ache or burning sensation.
- It usually happens after practice or games.
- You can still walk, but it hurts.
2. Full Tear (Rupture):
- It feels like a sudden snap or pop.
- It often feels like someone kicked you in the back of the leg.
- You can’t push off your foot or walk normally.
- It takes months to heal, and sometimes you need surgery.
How to Keep Your Achilles Healthy
The good news is that you can do things to protect your Achilles:
1. Stretch Your Calves:
- Tight calf muscles can put extra strain on the tendon.
- Stretch your calves every day.
- Hold each stretch for 30 seconds.
- Don’t bounce, stretch slowly.
2. Strengthen Your Legs: Strong leg muscles help support the Achilles. One good exercise is the heel drop which is also known as eccentric strengthening.
- Stand on a step with your heels hanging off the edge.
- Slowly lower your heels down as far as you can.
- Use both feet to rise back up.
- Do 15 repetitions, twice a day.
This helps build strength and keeps the tendon in good shape.
3. Wear Good Shoes: Old, worn-out shoes can cause problems for your feet and tendons. Look for shoes with:
- Good heel support
- Cushioning under the heel
- A snug fit (not too loose)
4. Warm Up Before Playing: Start with some light jogging, jumping jacks, or skipping. It’s easier to injure a cold tendon.
5. Rest: Don’t train hard every single day. Your body needs time to recover. Even just one rest day per week can make a difference.
What to Do If You Have Achilles Pain?
If your Achilles hurts but isn’t torn, here are some things you can do:
1. Take It Easy: Avoid activities that make the pain worse, like sprinting or jumping. Try easier activities like biking or swimming until the pain goes away.
2. Ice It:
Apply ice to the back of your leg for 15–20 minutes after you’ve been active. This helps with swelling and pain.
3. Use a Heel Lift: Shoe inserts that lift your heel slightly can reduce stress on the tendon.
4. Do Eccentric Exercises: Heel drop exercises are great for your Achilles. Do them slowly and carefully every day.
5. See a Physical Therapist (PT): A PT can create a plan to help you recover and get back to your sport safely.
What If the Achilles Is Torn?
If you completely tear your Achilles tendon, you’ll probably need surgery or at minimum a period of rehab and rest. The type of treatment can be determined by how early you are seen by the doctor. It is best to be seen within 1-3 days of your injury.
Here’s a breakdown of both options:
1. Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical treatment for Achilles injuries aims to reduce pain, promote healing, and restore function without surgery. It typically begins with simple but essential steps:
- Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation (RICE): These help control swelling and ease discomfort.
- Heel lifts or walking boots: Used to reduce strain on the tendon during movement.
Alongside these, physical therapy is key.
- Stretching and strengthening exercises gradually restore flexibility and build tendon resilience.
- NSAIDs (anti-inflammatory drugs) may be prescribed for pain relief.
- In tougher cases, PRP injections or shockwave therapy are used to boost natural healing.
The non-surgical treatment is best for people who are not so active. It can take 6–9 months to get back to doing everything. There’s a risk of re-tearing the tendon if you’re not careful.
2. Surgical Treatment Option
For a complete Achilles tendon rupture, especially in competitive athletes, the Open Surgical Repair or Minimally Invasive Repair are the go-to choices:
The surgical treatment options are:
- Open Achilles Tendon Repair
- Minimally Invasive (Percutaneous) Achilles Repair
- Tendon Transfer (in complex cases)
- Surgical Debridement (for chronic tendinopathy)
- It takes about 9–12 months to fully recover.
- You’ll start physical therapy soon after surgery.
- Most people regain their full strength after rehab.
Why are we seeing more Achilles injuries in sports?
- The game is faster and more intense now.
- Players are training too hard and not resting enough.
- There’s not enough emphasis on taking care of the Achilles tendon.
The good news is that we can do something about it. With smart training, good shoes, stretching, and enough rest, we can reduce the risk of these injuries.
Simple Tips to Protect Your Achilles
Here’s a simple checklist for every athlete:
- Warm up before games and practices.
- Stretch after games and practices.
- Wear shoes that support your heel.
- Take rest days seriously.
- Stop playing if you feel a sharp pain.
- Build strength in your calf and leg muscles.
- Ice your Achilles if it feels sore.
- See a doctor if pain persists.
The Achilles tendon is key for basketball moves, but it’s often ignored until it’s injured. As athletics get tougher, more players face Achilles issues. The good news is that many injuries can be avoided by training properly, wearing a good pair of shoes, stretching, and resting. Listen to your body and take care of your Achilles.
Our goal at the Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Institute (OSMI) is to provide our patients with quality, cutting-edge orthopedic treatments, both surgical and non-surgical. If you have questions about an Achilles injury or have pain, please submit an online appointment request or contact our office. We have clinic locations in Fort Worth, Mansfield, and Decatur.