Related Experiment Videos
Achilles tendon injuries in athletes
1Sports Medical Research Unit, Paavo Nurmi Centre, Turku, Finland.
Annales Chirurgiae Et Gynaecologiae
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Achilles tendon injuries are common in runners and joggers, often linked to structural issues like forefoot varus and limited ankle mobility. These overuse injuries, primarily paratenonitis, affect athletes more than the general population.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Biomechanics
Background:
- Achilles tendon injuries represent a significant portion of sports-related consultations.
- Running activities are strongly associated with the etiology of these injuries.
- Previous research indicates a prevalence of Achilles tendon issues among athletes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence, types, and etiological factors of Achilles tendon injuries in athletes.
- To identify biomechanical and structural correlates of Achilles tendon overuse injuries.
- To compare joint mobility in injured athletes versus controls.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 3,336 athlete consultations over a decade (1976-1986).
- Categorization of Achilles tendon complaints into paratenonitis, insertional pain, myotendineal pain, and ruptures.
- Assessment of structural faults, including forefoot varus, and joint mobility (subtalar and ankle).
Main Results:
- 14% of athlete consultations were for Achilles tendon injuries, predominantly among joggers (66%) and runners (24%).
- Paratenonitis (66%) was the most common complaint, followed by insertional pain (23%).
- Limited subtalar and ankle joint mobility, and forefoot varus were significantly correlated with Achilles tendon overuse injuries.
Conclusions:
- Running is a major contributing factor to Achilles tendon injuries in athletes.
- Structural abnormalities and reduced joint mobility are key risk factors for Achilles tendon overuse injuries.
- Early identification of biomechanical issues is crucial for preventing Achilles tendon problems in athletes.