Achilles Tendon Ruptures explained

It absorbs high forces during activity, especially sprinting and leaping, key demands in AFL.

While many are familiar with Achilles tendinopathy — the persistent soreness from overuse — full ruptures are thankfully rarer.

Most athletes have tendons that adapt to the demands of their sport.

Why some experience sudden rupture during routine movements remains an area of active research.

Emerging studies have begun to shed light on one potential cause: ‘silent degeneration’.

Unlike typical tendon injuries that present with pain and altered movement patterns, some individuals experience underlying tendon dysfunction without any symptoms.

One study found that athletes who experienced Achilles ruptures often had significant degeneration in the tendon, but no symptoms prior to the injury.

While it can affect athletes of all ages, the most common age group of patients who present to clinics like mine with a rupture are those between 30 and 45.

At this stage, some silent degeneration is more likely, and people at this stage of their lives often perform fewer of the explosive movements that keep tendons resilient.

As a result, tendons weaken and are more prone to rupture.

In the past year alone, I’ve seen three dads in their early 40s who, years after retirement, have dusted off and strapped the cricket pads on for one last game with their teenage son, only to rupture an Achilles taking off for a quick single.

There is a silver lining for those dealing with persistent Achilles pain.

Research shows that people with sore, overworked tendons may actually be less likely to rupture them than those without pain.

That discomfort acts as a warning, encouraging reduced load and potentially preventing serious injury.

Pat Arnold is a Director and Sports Physiotherapist at Echuca Moama Physiotherapy. Appointments with Pat and his colleagues can be made by call 5480 0860 or book online at echucamoamaphysio.com.au