Helena Frye
Achilles tendon injuries are one of the most common injuries in basketball, and they can be season-ending or even career-ending. The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, connecting the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is designed to stretch and absorb force when landing from a jump, but the constant tension and high impact of basketball can lead to tears and ruptures. Recovery from an Achilles tendon injury can take anywhere from six months to a year, and players often experience a decline in performance upon returning to the court.
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What You'll Learn
Risk factors
Achilles tendon injuries are becoming increasingly common in basketball, with several NBA players suffering tears during the 2024-25 season. The Achilles tendon is the longest and largest tendon in the body, and it is under constant tension. It can withstand about six times a person's body weight, but the fast and explosive movements in basketball increase the risk of injury. The continuous tension and stress on the Achilles tendon make it susceptible to rupture, especially during fatigued or degenerated states.
Lifestyle choices, footwear, and pre-existing conditions can also contribute to Achilles tendon injuries. Additionally, the higher intensity of games and the busy schedule of the NBA season may further increase the risk of injuries.
The Achilles tendon is comparable to a rubber band, and injuries can range from grade 1 or 2 strains with swelling and partial tears, to grade 3 tears where the tendon snaps and is unable to reconnect without surgery. Recovery from a torn Achilles tendon can take six months to a year, and some players may never fully recover their previous athletic abilities.
Younger players are becoming more susceptible to Achilles injuries, which were traditionally more common in athletes in their mid to late 30s. This increase in younger athletes suffering tears may be attributed to excessive stress developed from a young age and the lack of rest for their bodies.
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Recovery time
For example, NBA player Kevin Durant suffered a torn Achilles injury in 2019 and has since returned to the court. However, other players, such as Lenard, who suffered a torn Achilles tendon at age 24, only played 29 more games across two seasons following his injury and never reached the same performance levels.
Several factors can influence the recovery time for an Achilles injury. The first is the type of treatment and rehabilitation programme followed. This typically involves a combination of rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE), as well as physical therapy and, in some cases, surgery. The patient's age, overall health, and adherence to the treatment plan can also impact recovery time.
Additionally, the severity of the injury plays a crucial role in determining recovery time. A partial tear will generally have a shorter recovery time compared to a complete rupture. The patient's symptoms, such as pain and swelling, must also be managed effectively to ensure optimal recovery.
It is important to note that even with proper treatment and rehabilitation, some individuals may not regain full function or return to their previous level of athletic performance. The Achilles tendon is crucial for many movements in basketball, such as running and jumping, and a severe injury can significantly impact a player's explosiveness and performance.
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Treatment options
Achilles tendon injuries are common in basketball due to the sport's fast and explosive movements, which increase the risk of injury. The Achilles tendon is the thickest and strongest tendon in the body, and it can take on the stress of about six times a person's body weight. However, the continuous aggressive loading of the tendon in basketball increases the risk of injury.
- Reducing or ceasing high-impact athletic activity.
- Non-surgical treatments and therapies, such as ultrasound, massage, and exercise programs to strengthen and stretch the calf muscles.
- Surgery, in serious cases of tendonitis or tendon rupture, to rebuild and restore function to the tendon.
To prevent Achilles tendon injuries, it is recommended to:
- Wear appropriate footwear and replace shoes when they show signs of wear.
- Perform warm-up and cool-down exercises before and after physical activity.
- Gradually increase speed, distance, or intensity, including hill work or stairs.
- Regularly stretch and strengthen calf muscles.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Rest if you feel pain during an activity.
- Alternate between high-impact and low-impact activities.
For more severe cases of Achilles tendon injuries, such as ruptures, surgery is often required. This involves making an incision in the lower leg and sewing the tendon back together. A cast, splint, walking boot, or brace is then worn for 6 to 8 weeks. Surgery lowers the risk of re-rupture and can help athletes return to their sport.
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Prevention strategies
The fast-paced nature of basketball makes players susceptible to a wide range of injuries, with the foot, ankle, and knee being the most commonly affected areas. Achilles tendon injuries are among the most severe injuries that can occur, as the tendon is the strongest in the human body, and such injuries can create immense difficulties.
- Stretching: Stretch your calves regularly by pulling your toes toward your shin or standing with your heels hanging off a stair. Hold for 15-30 seconds. Foam rolling your calves can also help.
- Strengthening exercises: Calf-strengthening exercises can improve tendon strength. Seated or standing calf raises, squats, leg curls, leg extensions, leg raises, lunges, and leg presses can help your muscles and tendons absorb more force.
- Gradual progression: Increase workout intensity gradually, adding about 10% more intensity, duration, or distance each week.
- Warm-up and hydration: Always warm up before workouts with a 5-10 minute jog, brisk walk, or dynamic stretching. This increases circulation to your tendons and muscles. Additionally, stay hydrated before and during exercise.
- Footwear: Choose running or athletic shoes with good cushioning in the heels. Traditional sneakers with a slight heel lift can reduce stress on the Achilles. Replace your shoes when they start to wear out.
- Low-impact workouts: Make a few of your weekly workouts low-impact, such as swimming or using an elliptical trainer or rowing machine. This gives your body a break while still providing a workout.
- Rest: Take a few days off from high-impact activities if you experience mild soreness or pain. Pushing through the pain can irritate the tendon and increase the risk of long-term tendinitis.
- Load management: Avoid doing too much too soon, as this is a recipe for pain and injury.
- Surface: If you run, choose a trail or track over cement. Running on cement increases the risk of straining your Achilles tendons.
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Impact on performance
The Achilles tendon is the longest and largest tendon in the human body. It is under constant tension and is built for power and speed. Basketball players load their tendons aggressively, increasing the risk of injury. The fast and explosive movements in basketball increase the risk of Achilles tendon injuries.
Achilles tendon injuries are considered one of the worst injuries in basketball. The injury can significantly impact a player's performance and career. Recovery from an Achilles tendon injury can take a long time, ranging from six months to a year. During this period, players may struggle to regain their previous level of performance. Some players may never fully recover and may never play again.
The impact of an Achilles tendon injury on a basketball player's performance can be profound. The injury can affect their explosiveness, speed, and agility. Players may have to adjust their playing style and become slower or less agile. Their shooting ability may also be impacted, as the injury can affect their lower body stability and power.
In addition to the physical challenges, Achilles tendon injuries can also take a mental toll on players. They may experience a loss of confidence, anxiety about re-injury, or fear of not performing at the same level as before. This can further impact their performance and prolong their recovery process.
The severity of the impact of an Achilles tendon injury on a basketball player's performance can vary depending on several factors, including the player's age, the severity of the injury, and the quality of their rehabilitation process. Younger players may recover more quickly and thoroughly than older players. A complete tear is more likely to have a more significant impact on performance than a partial tear. Access to advanced medical treatments and a dedicated rehabilitation program can also improve the chances of a successful recovery.
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Frequently asked questions
If you've landed awkwardly on your leg, you may have injured your Achilles tendon. This is a common injury in basketball, and you may feel like you've been kicked in the back of the leg.
An Achilles tendon tear is one of the worst injuries a basketball player can suffer. It is the longest and largest tendon in the body, and a tear can result in a long recovery time, sometimes causing players to miss an entire season or never play again.
A grade 1 or 2 strain means the Achilles is swollen or partially torn, but the muscle is still connected and functional. A grade 3 tear means the muscle has snapped and cannot reconnect itself.
Achilles injuries are often caused by overuse or wear and tear. Basketball players load their tendons aggressively, and the fast and explosive movements of the sport increase the risk of injury.
