Participating in sports is integral to keeping your body fit and engaged. For instance, running and soccer can help you burn calories which minimizes the risks of being obese. However, they can lead to health complications such as injuries. Achilles tendon injuries are one of the common injuries athletes experience. Most of the injuries linked to the achilles tendon Westfield have affected athletes’ strength and flexibility during activities like running, walking, and jumping. This article will discuss factors increasing the likelihood of Achilles tendon injuries.
Age
In most cases, the risk of these injuries increases as you age, mainly in your 40s and 50s. As you age, the tendon starts to wear and tear down. Besides, the blood flow to the Achilles tendon usually declines, and stiffness increases, which in turn surges the risk of injury. Healthcare practitioners advise activities such as ice, heat, and gentle tendon stretching to foster blood flow.
Recreational Sports
Achilles tendon injuries usually occur for athletes participating in sports involving jumping, running, and sudden starts and stops like tennis, soccer, and basketball. For instance, running surges the risk as you can add up to 12.5 times an individual’s body weight to the tendon. If you return to sports without a properly recovered tendon, repetitive stress can surge the likelihood of worsening Achilles tendons.
Steroid Injections
Sometimes, your physician may inject steroids into the ankle to lower the inflammation and pain. However, these medications can deteriorate the surrounding tendon, increasing the risk of rupture and degeneration. Furthermore, these steroids come with side effects that can obstruct tendon repair and prolong the healing period of the tendon sheath.
Certain Antibiotics
Fluoroquinolone antibiotics like levofloxacin and ciprofloxacin increase the possibility of Achilles tendon rupture. These antibiotics are massively effective in dealing with a variety of infections. However, sometimes they can cause adverse effects on your tendon. Doctors assert that one should try these antibiotics only if other treatments have been defective. The effect is that they can lead to Achilles tendinitis and natural Achilles tendon rupture in formerly active and fit persons.
Foot Complications
Some individuals with flat or hyperpronated feet are more vulnerable to Achilles tendonitis. Usually, the flattened arch pulls on the muscles in the calf and forces the Achilles tendon to stay under tight strain. As a result, this recurrent stress on the tendon and heel may lead to inflammation, pain, and swelling.
Obesity
Excessive weight contributes to increased strain on the tendon. Being overweight increases the tendon’s stress, surging the likelihood of injury. Additionally, obesity strongly relates to wound dehiscence, which is connected to comorbid conditions after an Achilles tendon repair. Losing weight is integral as it assists in preventing Achilles tendonitis and plantar fasciitis that occur with more pressure on the feet. You should consult your doctor on the most effective exercises and diets to control weight gain.
Achilles tendon injuries can be devastating as they can prevent you from carrying out your daily activities, such as sports. Therefore, if you are suspicious of an injured Achilles tendon, seek medical assistance immediately to prevent the worsening of the condition. Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine in Westfield, Jew Jersey, consists of an orthopedic team of experts providing minimally invasive treatment for Achilles tendon complications. Call or schedule an online visit today to enjoy their services.
