Predictions
30 November, 2025
Achilles tendon injuries are making headlines in the world of professional sports, and this NBA season has been particularly hard-hit. Notably, during the playoffs, Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles in the first round against the Indiana Pacers. Similarly, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum tore his right Achilles tendon in a second-round face-off with the New York Knicks, while Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton faced the same fate in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.
Additionally, centers James Wiseman and Isaiah Jackson experienced Achilles tears earlier in the season, with New Orleans guard Dejounte Murray and Miami Heat’s Dru Smith also falling victim to similar injuries.
Beyond the NBA, notable athletes have faced Achilles issues, including USMNT forward Haji Wright, whose injury has sidelined him for the Concacaf Gold Cup, and Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson, who underwent surgery for his second right Achilles tear earlier this year.
Medical professionals attribute these injuries primarily to overuse and sometimes unforeseen circumstances. Karin Gravare Silbernagel, a physical therapist and professor at the University of Delaware, draws a parallel between current calf injuries and the hamstring strains prevalent five to ten years ago. She notes that while athletes focus on building upper leg strength, their lower legs must also keep pace.
“It’s time to consider the calf and Achilles with the same level of importance,” she asserts. “Do we possess enough strength to handle the demands of our sport? The lower leg is lagging behind in development compared to other areas.”
In discussions with four experts regarding Achilles injuries this NBA season, the consensus highlights the vulnerability of the Achilles and the potential role of painkillers in obscuring warning signs. Their insights have been refined for clarity.
Dr. Michael Fredericson, a leading figure in sports medicine at Stanford, emphasizes the ease of injuring a calf muscle. He states, “The calf is engaged in nearly every movement associated with walking or running, making it a frequent target for injuries.” For NBA players, the primary culprit is often overuse, as noted by Dr. Nirav Pandya from the University of California San Francisco. He explains how the rigorous demands of the game lead to calf injuries due to wear and tear.
Dr. Justin Greisberg, an orthopedic surgery professor, elaborates on the Achilles tendon’s unique vulnerability, highlighting that it is constantly under tension. “It’s designed for power and speed, yet that means it’s perpetually stressed,” he explains. The force exerted on the Achilles can exceed body weight, particularly for professional athletes engaged in intense running and jumping.
When an Achilles tendon ruptures, it’s a serious injury that impacts the entire muscle, rendering it temporarily ineffective. A misstep, such as slipping or landing awkwardly, can lead to such injuries.
To mitigate the risk of these injuries, stretching, especially of the calves and hamstrings, along with proper footwear, is crucial. Greisberg advocates for shoes with a slight heel lift to alleviate stress on the Achilles, warning against ultra-flat footwear that may contribute to tendonitis. Calf-strengthening exercises are also recommended to bolster tendon resilience.
Experts stress the importance of recovery, indicating that incomplete recovery from calf strains can weaken the muscle, making it ill-equipped to handle stress. Maintaining open communication about discomfort is vital for preventing severe injuries.
With numerous high-profile athletes succumbing to Achilles injuries this season, teams are urged to reassess their training, monitoring, and recovery protocols. Implementing fundamental exercises to strengthen the calves can play a significant role in injury prevention. Additionally, managing star players’ playtime during playoffs is critical for their long-term health.
Ultimately, recovery from an Achilles injury is a lengthy process, often taking nine to twelve months, and rushing this timeline can substantially increase the risk of re-injury. The quest for advancements in sports medicine continues, with a focus on preventing the calf muscle from going into a dormant state following a rupture.
Play responsibly
In United Kingdom, betting can only be conducted through entities that hold the appropriate license to organize betting activities.
If you notice signs of addiction, immediately contact an organization that offers help to overcome addiction: Play responsibly!
