Are Achilles Tendon Tears Becoming More Common?
As a lifelong Green Bay Packers fan, it's been frustrating to watch two of my favorite players suffer Achilles tendon injuries that could keep them out for the rest of the season.
These injuries got me thinking about something I've noticed over the years as a chiropractor. It seems like we're hearing about Achilles tendon ruptures more frequently, not just in professional sports but among everyday people as well.
So, are Achilles tears actually becoming more common?
The research suggests they are.
Studies have shown that Achilles tendon ruptures have increased significantly over the past several decades, with some populations experiencing as much as a fivefold increase since the 1980s. One U.S. study found that the incidence rose from 1.8 to 2.5 cases per 100,000 people between 2012 and 2016.
While men between 20 and 39 still account for a large percentage of these injuries, adults between 40 and 59 have experienced some of the fastest increases.
Why Are These Injuries Increasing?
Several factors likely contribute:
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The weekend warrior effect: More adults are playing competitive sports like basketball, tennis, and pickleball later in life without maintaining consistent conditioning throughout the week.
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Aging tendons: As we age, changes in collagen structure can make tendons less resilient to sudden, explosive movements.
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Greater athletic demands: Today's athletes are bigger, faster, and stronger, placing tremendous stress on their tendons.
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Training habits and equipment: Sudden increases in activity, improper footwear, and potentially playing surfaces can contribute to increased tendon stress.
How Can You Reduce Your Risk?
Whether you're a competitive athlete or someone who simply wants to stay active and healthy, maintaining strong, well-conditioned tendons is important.
For athletes and weekend warriors:
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Strengthen your calves regularly with straight-knee and bent-knee calf raises.
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Gradually increase training intensity, especially when returning to sports after time off.
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Warm up before activity and incorporate jumping and agility exercises appropriate for your fitness level.
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Don't ignore recurring Achilles pain or morning stiffness.
For non-athletes:
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Perform calf raises a few times per week to maintain lower leg strength.
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Walk regularly and gradually increase your activity level.
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Work on ankle mobility and balance, particularly as you get older.
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Avoid sudden increases in activity, even something as simple as walking several miles on vacation when you're normally sedentary.
The Bottom Line
One of the most important things I've learned from treating patients over the years is that being active and being physically prepared for activity aren't necessarily the same thing.
Our tendons need regular strengthening and progressive loading to remain resilient. While injuries aren't always preventable, consistent conditioning can help improve your body's ability to handle the demands you place on it.
At Harvard Square Chiropractic, we help patients identify strength deficits, mobility restrictions, and movement limitations that may contribute to injury.
If you've been experiencing Achilles tightness, heel pain, or recurring calf discomfort, contact our office for an evaluation before it becomes a bigger problem.
And hopefully, the Packers can make it through the rest of the season without any more major injuries!
