Achilles tendon rupture

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Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Factors than may increase your risk of Achilles tendon rupture include:

  • Age. The peak age for Achilles tendon rupture is 30 to 40.
  • Sex. Achilles tendon rupture is up to five times more likely to occur in men than in women.
  • Obesity. Extra pounds may increase the stress placed on your Achilles tendon.

Recreational sports
Achilles tendon injuries occur more often in sports that involve running, jumping and sudden starts and stops. Examples include:

  • Running
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Tennis
  • Softball
  • Hockey
References
  1. Ham P, et al. Achilles tendinopathy and tendon rupture. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed June 19, 2009.
  2. Mercier LR. Achilles tendon rupture. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2009. Philadelphia, Pa.; Mosby Elsevier: 2009. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/144262599-3/854154771/1701/15.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04134-8..50004-5--subchapter10_244. Accessed June 19, 2009.
  3. Achilles tendon rupture. In: DeLee JC, et al. DeLee and Drez's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2003. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/144262599-3/854154771/1103/1152.html#4-u1.0-B0-7216-8845-4..50032-6--cesec351_4702. Accessed June 19, 2009.
  4. Laskowsi ER (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 22, 2009.

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Sept. 26, 2009

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