Who is at risk for Achilles tendon disorders?

Who is at risk for Achilles tendon disorders?

Achilles tendon disorders are common sports injuries. People at high risk for Achilles tendon disorders include those who:

• Play sports, especially sports that involve quick stops and starts.
• Run or dance.
• Have jobs that put stress on their feet and ankles, such as laborers.
• Participate in sports less frequently (“weekend warriors”), leaving their bodies less used to the stress.

You may also be at higher risk for Achilles tendinitis because of your anatomy (body shape and structure). For example, if you have:

• Tight or weak calf muscles.
• Bone spur, an extra bone growth in your heel that rubs the tendon, causing pain.
• Flat arches.
• Overpronation, ankles that roll down and in when you walk.