Achilles Tears Are the Achilles Heel of Many NBA Players’ Career

• Dr. Bruce Zappan
• January 22, 2018

According to a new study, many professional basketball players who suffer injuries to their Achilles Tendon most often find their careers ended as a result. Alongside this data, it has been found that those who do return to their sport after incurring an Achilles injury have an overall lower performance as opposed to their pre-injury ability.

Dr. Douglas Cerynik of Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia said “if you follow the sport you can see it’s a devastating injury to these players.” Dr. Cerynik was the senior author presiding over the study. The average age of professional NBA players is 27 although those prone to injury are closer to 30. Despite research, many basketball players follow the proper weight and stretching regimens, making these injuries relatively difficult to prevent, according to Dr. Cerynik.

Dealing with an Achilles tendon injury can be frustrating and a painful ordeal. However, an injury like this can be managed and taken care of by a podiatrist like Dr. Bruce B. Zappan of Medical Arts Podiatry Associates. Dr. Zappan can examine your Achilles tendon as well as other foot and ankle injuries, and work with you to provide the appropriate treatment options.

What Is the Achilles Tendon?

• The Achilles Tendon connects the foot’s heal to the lower leg and calf muscles
• It is the strongest tendon in the human body
• Movement that involves the legs such as walking, running and jumping are facilitated by the Achilles tendon

The Achilles tendon is at risk for Achilles tendinitis or an Achilles Tendon Rupture. Those at risk for incurring either type of Achilles tendon injury include athletes and people who generally overexert themselves during physical activity.

Achilles Tendinitis Symptoms

• Tendon thickening
• Inflammation
• Dull to Severe Pain
• Slower Movement Time
• Increased Blood Flow

Achilles Tendon Rupture Symptoms

• Caused by tendon ripping or snapping
• Treatment and recovery time may take up to a year
• Both surgical and non-surgical methods are available

If you have any questions please contact our office, which is, located in Philadelphia, PA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle injuries.