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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, racket sports (including tennis), soccer, and softball.1
  • 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 30, 2007
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.
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