Achilles Tendon Problems

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Cause

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, or 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 cause microtears in the tendon that are unable to heal quickly and will eventually cause pain.
Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion, common in such activities as running, basketball, tennis, or ballet dancing.
Poor conditioning or warm-up (as when you start a new activity or have not stretched before and after an activity).
Shoes with poor arch support or rigid heels that do not cushion the heel.

Achilles tendon rupture is most often caused by:

Sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle, such as during an intense athletic activity or even during simple running or jumping, especially in middle-aged adults. A rupture 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, a common treatment for overuse tendon injury). Corticosteroids can weaken or break down tendon tissue, making it more likely to rupture.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: January 03, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.