The lowdown on an Achilles injury

A rupture to the Achilles tendon is a very common injury in male athletes - BBC Sport Academy explains all.

WHO?

Most common for footballers, basketball, tennis and badminton players.

HOW?

Did you know?

• The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body and can withstand forces of 1,000lb
• It was named after Achilles of Greek legend
• The story goes that Achilles was dipped by his mother Thetis in the River Styx, to make him invincible
• But she held him by his heel which remained vulnerable

Usually due to heavy landing on the fall and through wear and tear.

A tendon is a band or cord of dense fibrous tissue at the end of a muscle which attaches it to a bone.

The Achilles tendon is what attaches your calf muscles to your heel.

WHAT KIND OF PAIN?

Intense pain just above the heel. People often think they have been hit from behind. Swelling and bruising in leg and foot.

TREATMENT?

Doctor will either put you in cast for 4-10 weeks or operate and provide walking boot.

RETURN?

Around three to four months.

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