More Achilles Tendon Turmoil

by Vince Vacketta, DPM

Since the infamous Aaron Rodgers Achilles rupture on Sept. 11, we have seen a litany of similar tendon injuries amongst athletes within the NFL. This past weekend, for example, marked the fall of another two more NFL players who sustained season-ending Achilles tendon ruptures while playing on artificial turf. These once-called "freak" non-contact injuries now seem to be an all-too-common occurrence which has the NFLPA calling for the removal of artificial turf.  

Is turf really to blame?

Players are now publicly bashing the new turf fields, and ultimately, research appears to support their claims. From as late as 2018, data demonstrates a 16% increase in overall injuries to athletes playing on artificial turf surfaces versus grass and an even greater uptick in foot and ankle specific injuries and non-contact injuries when playing on turf. While this is just one study, the number of player injuries is increasing more and more. 

Stay tuned as the NFL and NFLPA attempt to find common ground between budget and athlete safety.