Achilles tendon ruptureAchilles tendon ruptures are renowned as being most common in middle-aged men playing sports such as tennis and squash. Tennis and squash are notorious because they involve rapid acceleration movements. The reason for middle-aged men being the highest risk group is because tendon ruptures are more common when there is underlying tendon degeneration. For unknown reasons, tendon degeneration is greater in males than females (when performing the same level of activity). Despite the above risk factors, Achilles tendon rupture can occur to professional athletes at the peak of their careers. The most famous athlete to rupture an Achilles tendon in recent years was Donovan Bailey , the 100m gold medalist from the Atlanta Olympics, who tore his Achilles tendon playing basketball. In a 100m sprinter, even after a surgical repair, there is a minute loss of speed which can destroy a career. Football players can come back from an Achilles tendon repair and cope with a minute loss of speed. One of the most famous to do this was Miami Dolphins' quarterback Dan Marino , who ruptured an Achilles during his career but played successfully for many seasons afterwards. In older athletes, there is an argument about whether surgical or non-surgical treatment of a rupture is best, although in professional athletes, surgery is always the best treatment in terms of returning to full capacity after the injury. Full recovery takes at least 6 months. Ironically if an athlete has suffered chronic Achilles tendinitis prior to a rupture, this is usually cured by the surgery. To post a comment or ask a question about these injuries, visit the injuryupdate Forum, click here .
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