Achilles tendinopathy is likely to occur in men older than 30, and small tears in the tendon (tendinosis) are common among people older than 35 who continue activities that result in repeated stress on the Achilles tendon.1 These activities include sports, especially running.
Most Achilles tendon ruptures occur in people 30 to 50 years old who are recreational athletes ("weekend warriors"). A rupture is most common in basketball, racket sports (such as tennis), soccer, and softball.2 Achilles tendon ruptures can also happen in older adults, for example, when they overstretch while reaching for something.
If high cholesterol runs in your family, you have a higher risk of Achilles tendon pain and problems.3
References
Citations
Mazzone MF, McCue T (2002). Common conditions of the Achilles tendon. American Family Physician, 65(9): 1805–1810.
Mann JA, et al. (2006). Tendon injuries section of Foot and ankle injury. In HB Skinner, ed., Current Diagnosis and Treatment in Orthopedics, pp. 527–533. New York: McGraw-Hill.
Beeharry D, et al. (2005). Familial hypercholesterolaemia commonly presents with Achilles tenosynovitis. Annals of Rheumatic Disease, 65: 312–315.
Credits
| Author | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Denele Ivins |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics |
| Last Updated | January 27, 2009 |
