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Weekend Athletes at Risk for Achilles Rupture
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Weekend warriors -- beware of an Achilles rupture.
If you jump into a strenuous tennis match or a basketball game on the weekend, with little or no related exercise during the week, you're at risk for an Achilles injury, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
The Achilles tendon is at the back of your leg, just above the heel. It attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. It allows you to push off with your foot and to stand on your tiptoes.
But a quick move on the tennis court could cause a tear or rupture, an injury most common in middle-aged men or older adults. You might hear a pop and feel immediate, sharp and possibly severe pain at the back of your ankle and lower leg.
Usually there is no warning of a rupture. However, certain medical conditions may contribute to tendon rupture -- among them chronic inflammation of a tendon (tendonitis), gout and overproduction of a parathyroid hormone. Certain antibiotics called fluoroquinolones may further increase tendon risks.
If you suspect an Achilles rupture, elevate the affected leg and avoid putting any weight on it. Ice the area of pain and seek a doctor's care as soon as possible. Proper treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgery.
Erik Kaldor -- Jacksonville -- 904-953-2299
Lynn Closway -- Scottsdale -- 480-301-4337
Here is a highlight from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.
I read a statisitc that said that men over the age of 30 who play sports on the weekends make up 76% of the achilles ruptures in the nation. Be aware of your conditioning and be sure to get in shape to play and not play to get in shape.
ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Weekend warriors -- beware of an Achilles rupture.
If you jump into a strenuous tennis match or a basketball game on the weekend, with little or no related exercise during the week, you're at risk for an Achilles injury, according to the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter.
The Achilles tendon is at the back of your leg, just above the heel. It attaches your calf muscle to your heel bone. It allows you to push off with your foot and to stand on your tiptoes.
But a quick move on the tennis court could cause a tear or rupture, an injury most common in middle-aged men or older adults. You might hear a pop and feel immediate, sharp and possibly severe pain at the back of your ankle and lower leg.
Usually there is no warning of a rupture. However, certain medical conditions may contribute to tendon rupture -- among them chronic inflammation of a tendon (tendonitis), gout and overproduction of a parathyroid hormone. Certain antibiotics called fluoroquinolones may further increase tendon risks.
If you suspect an Achilles rupture, elevate the affected leg and avoid putting any weight on it. Ice the area of pain and seek a doctor's care as soon as possible. Proper treatment ranges from physical therapy to surgery.
Erik Kaldor -- Jacksonville -- 904-953-2299
Lynn Closway -- Scottsdale -- 480-301-4337
Here is a highlight from the April issue of Mayo Clinic Health Letter. You may cite this publication as often as you wish. Also, you may reprint up to four articles annually without cost. More frequent reprinting is allowed for a fee. Mayo Clinic Health Letter attribution is required. Include the following subscription information as your editorial policies permit: Call toll free for subscription information, 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.
Mayo Clinic Health Letter is an eight-page monthly newsletter of reliable, accurate and practical information on today's health and medical news. To subscribe, please call toll free 800-333-9037, extension 9PR1.
I read a statisitc that said that men over the age of 30 who play sports on the weekends make up 76% of the achilles ruptures in the nation. Be aware of your conditioning and be sure to get in shape to play and not play to get in shape.
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