Ayrton Oneill
A torn Achilles tendon is one of the most serious injuries a basketball player can suffer. The Achilles tendon is responsible for absorbing force when an athlete lands from a jump, and for providing power for push-off when taking a running step. Due to the tendon being under constant tension, it is susceptible to tearing when an athlete pivots or makes a hard hit. The injury typically takes between four to six months to heal, and in some cases, athletes may never fully recover, resulting in a season-ending injury or even a career-ending injury.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Severity of injury | Worst injury in basketball, requiring lengthy recovery |
| Common causes | Overuse, accidental circumstances, low-cut shoes, longer seasons, Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, single-sport specialization |
| Symptoms | Popping or snapping sound, sharp pain, swelling, bruising, pain when walking |
| Treatment | RICE method, brace or walking cast, surgery, physical therapy |
| Healing time | Typically 4-6 months |
| Impact on career | May be season-ending or career-ending; 20.5% of professionals unable to return to basketball |
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What You'll Learn
Severity of the injury
Achilles tendon tears are considered one of the most serious injuries in basketball. The tendon is made up of strong fibrous tissue, but it does not have a significant blood supply, which makes it more susceptible to injury and rupture. The Achilles tendon is designed to stretch, absorb force when landing from a jump, and provide power for push-off when taking a running step. As a result, it is under constant tension and always "wound up and stressed". This makes it particularly vulnerable to injury in sports that involve sudden stops, starts, and pivots, such as basketball.
The severity of an Achilles tendon tear can range from a partial tear, where some of the tendon fibers remain connected, to a complete tear or rupture, where all the fibers disconnect from each other. A grade 1 or 2 strain may involve swelling or a partial tear, but the muscle is still connected on both sides and functional, although less effectively. A grade 3 tear, on the other hand, indicates a complete rupture, where the muscle has snapped and is no longer connected, resulting in a loss of function.
Achilles tendon tears can be extremely painful and often require a lengthy recovery process. With proper treatment, most Achilles tendon ruptures can fully heal within four to six months. However, the recovery time can vary, and some players may never fully recover or return to the same level of performance. According to a 2013 medical study, out of 18 players who suffered major Achilles injuries over a 23-year span, seven players never returned to the league, and those who did return missed an average of 56 games with a decline in performance.
The injury can be career-ending for some athletes, especially in basketball, where the Achilles tendon is subjected to high levels of stress and impact. It is important to seek immediate medical attention for an Achilles tendon tear to ensure proper healing and reduce the risk of re-injury. Treatment options may include nonsurgical methods such as immobilization with a brace or walking cast, or surgical repair followed by physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
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Risk factors
Achilles tendon tears are the worst injury one can suffer in basketball, with a long recovery period and a high risk of re-injury. The Achilles tendon is under constant tension and is built for power and speed, making it susceptible to tears when overloaded.
The most common cause of Achilles tendon tears is sports injuries, with basketball being one of the sports most frequently associated with this injury. It is more common in men, especially those who are healthy and active between the ages of 20 and 39, or 45 to 60. However, it is important to note that Achilles tendon tears can also occur due to bad luck or accidental circumstances, such as landing awkwardly from a jump.
Additionally, overuse has been identified as a contributing factor to Achilles tendon tears in basketball players. This could be due to longer seasons, younger athletes specializing in a single sport year-round, or the excessive stress developed from intense training throughout their lives.
Other risk factors include low-cut shoes, certain antibiotics, and steroid injections, which can weaken the Achilles tendon.
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Recovery
A torn Achilles tendon is a serious injury that can be devastating for basketball players. It is considered one of the worst injuries a basketball player can suffer due to its impact on their career. The Achilles tendon is crucial for absorbing force when landing from a jump, providing power for push-off when running, and enabling quick movements and pivots in basketball.
The recovery process for a torn Achilles tendon is extensive and can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Here is a general overview of the recovery process:
- Immediate Care: The first step is to reduce pain and swelling using the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method. It is crucial to rest and stay off the injured leg to prevent further damage.
- Medical Evaluation: Seek medical attention to determine the extent of the tear. A healthcare provider will examine the foot and ankle, assess the range of motion, and may use imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI to confirm the diagnosis.
- Treatment Options: The treatment plan may involve nonsurgical or surgical approaches, depending on the patient's activity level and age. Nonsurgical treatment includes immobilizing the injured area with a brace or walking cast for several months. Surgical repair, recommended for active individuals, involves stitching the torn tendon back together, followed by casting and immobilization.
- Physical Therapy: Regardless of the treatment approach, physical therapy is essential for regaining strength and mobility in the Achilles tendon. It helps improve flexibility, range of motion, and muscle strength to facilitate a safe return to physical activities.
- Rehabilitation: The rehabilitation process can be lengthy, typically lasting four to six months or even longer. It involves a gradual progression of exercises to rebuild strength and stability in the ankle and leg. This may include stretching, balance exercises, and gradual progression towards more dynamic activities.
- Returning to Basketball: The return to basketball should be carefully managed and supervised by a healthcare team. It is important to ensure that the Achilles tendon has healed sufficiently to withstand the demands of the sport. Returning too early may increase the risk of re-injury.
It is important to note that recovery timelines can vary, and some athletes may experience a faster or slower recovery process depending on their individual circumstances and the severity of the tear.
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Treatment
A torn Achilles tendon is a traumatic injury that requires immediate medical attention. Without treatment, a torn Achilles tendon may not heal properly, increasing the risk of re-rupture.
If you suspect you have torn your Achilles tendon, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. In the meantime, you can manage the pain and swelling by following the RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) method:
- Rest: Stay off your injured leg as much as possible.
- Ice: Apply ice to the injured area to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Wrap your ankle with an elastic bandage to compress the injured area and prevent further swelling.
- Elevation: Keep your injured leg elevated above the level of your heart to reduce swelling.
Once you have seen a doctor, they may refer you to a sports medicine physician or an orthopedic surgeon, who will examine the injury and determine the best course of treatment. They may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray, ultrasound, or MRI, to evaluate the extent of the injury and rule out any bone fractures.
- Nonsurgical treatment: This method is recommended for individuals who are less active or older. It involves immobilizing the injured foot and ankle in a brace or walking cast for several months to allow the tendon to heal. Physical therapy is also necessary to regain strength and mobility in the tendon.
- Surgical repair: This method is typically recommended for individuals who are active and middle-aged or younger. During surgery, a surgeon will stitch the two ends of the torn tendon back together. After surgery, a cast is placed on the lower leg to immobilize the tendon while it heals. Physical therapy is also required to restore strength and function to the tendon.
Regardless of the treatment method, the recovery process for a torn Achilles tendon is lengthy and can take anywhere from four to six months, or even up to a year, for a full recovery. During this time, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions and attend physical therapy sessions to ensure a proper healing process.
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Notable cases
Achilles tendon tears are considered the worst injury a basketball player can suffer, and several notable NBA players have suffered from this injury in recent years.
In 2019, Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors suffered a torn Achilles in Game 5 of the 2019 NBA Finals. Durant had to sit out the entire next season to recover.
Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, 27, tore his Achilles tendon in the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs against the New York Knicks.
Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, 25, tore his Achilles tendon in Game 7 of the 2025 NBA Finals. Like Durant, Haliburton had to sit out the entire next season to recover.
Other notable NBA players who have suffered Achilles tendon injuries include DeMarcus Cousins, Damian Lillard, James Wiseman, Isaiah Jackson, Dejounte Murray, and Dru Smith.
Outside of the NBA, notable athletes who have suffered Achilles tendon injuries include USMNT forward Haji Wright and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who suffered his second Achilles tendon tear.
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Frequently asked questions
A torn Achilles tendon is the worst injury you can have in basketball. It is a traumatic injury that requires immediate medical attention.
Full healing of a torn Achilles tendon typically takes about four to six months.
The classic sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon is feeling (and sometimes hearing) a pop or snap at the back of your ankle. Other symptoms include sudden sharp pain, swelling and bruising in the back of the ankle, and pain when walking, especially upstairs or uphill.
The Achilles tendon is particularly vulnerable to injury due to the constant tension it is under. It is designed to provide power and speed, but this also means it is always "wound up and stressed". The most common cause of Achilles tendon tears is overuse, especially in older athletes whose upper-leg strength is greater than their lower leg strength.
Nonsurgical treatment for a torn Achilles tendon involves immobilizing the injured foot and ankle in a brace or walking cast. Surgery is usually recommended for younger, active individuals to stitch the two ends of the tendon back together. Physical therapy is also necessary to regain strength and mobility.
