The Achilles tendon is the powerhouse of your lower leg, but as strong and flexible as it is, we are prone to injuring it. And its biggest threats are the sports we love to play; we at Podiatry Center of New Jersey see athletes for Achilles injuries all the time. But as an athlete, knowing this leaves you worried and wondering: what if I’m next? The injury seems unavoidable, and that’s because there’s little knowledge as to what movements actually cause Achilles tendonitis, tears, and ruptures. Literally, the exact biomechanics that influence the Achilles, from start to stop and everything in between. So today, that’s what we’ll be going over. Because when you know the exact movements that are problematic, you’ll be able to train specifically to strengthen them.
The Push-Off
Think about the moment you spring off the ground. In sports like basketball, soccer, or tennis, or when a sprinter launches out of the blocks, the calf muscles contract by pulling on the Achilles tendon to launch you forward.
But if this is done with an explosive burst of energy, it can overload a tendon that is already tight or weakened from previous strain and cause it to tear or rupture. In training, you should always warm up your explosiveness to prevent this.
Sudden Stops and Deceleration
The opposite movement is just as dangerous. When a runner, tennis player, or basketball player decelerates quickly, their body’s momentum is still moving forward. To stop, the calf muscles and Achilles tendon have to tense while the foot is still on the ground.
This is a huge stressor on the Achilles… think of it like a car that has to stop quickly. The force of the car jerks its passengers forward. It’s that same energy that’s occurring within your calf muscle.
Awkward Landings and Twists
Next, the unexpected landing. Landing awkwardly from a jump, stepping into a hole, or twisting your ankle on uneven ground can force your foot into a position that puts direct, shearing stress on the Achilles tendon.
For example, if your foot is forced to bend too far upwards while your body is still moving, it can cause the tendon to stretch beyond its limits.
Repetitive Stress from Running
While the movements above often lead to an acute tear, repetitive stress is still the primary cause of Achilles tendonitis. For runners, the continuous cycle of heel striking and launching from your toes puts constant pressure on the Achilles. This isn’t usually a problem… it is how we walk, after all.
But if you’re a runner who increases mileage too quickly, runs on hard surfaces, or has tight calf muscles and doesn’t stretch enough, this repetitive strain can lead to micro tears and chronic inflammation, kind of like a stress fracture, but for your tendon, not a bone.
If you have more questions about foot care or want to address specific concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the expert team at Podiatry Center of New Jersey! Give us a call at (973) 925-4111 or make an appointment online.
