CNN – In the middle of an intense workout, Kristina Lazzaro stepped back and heard a sound like a cork coming out of a bottle of champagne.
The 35-year-old Buffalo, New York, resident was doing a partner workout at her local gym, pushing herself to finish strong on a shuttle run in which runners sprint from one line to another and back.
Lazzaro exploded off the first line. Arms pumping, she dashed 10 yards across the gym to the other line. As she put her foot down to pivot, she heard a popping sound and crumpled to the floor — unable to move her foot at all.
“I ended up on the ground, and I didn’t know how I got there,” she said. “There was no warning, no symptoms, and nothing that suggested something like this could happen.”
Lazzaro later learned she had ruptured her Achilles tendon — a part of the body named after a famous character of Greek legend. It’s a brutal injury with recovery time that can last up to a year. She sustained the injury on February 6, and she’s still undergoing physical therapy.
It seems Achilles injuries are plaguing ordinary fitness buffs and some of the world’s best athletes these days. Actor Sterling K. Brown showed up to this year’s Emmy Awards on a knee scooter after shredding one of his.
Achilles ruptures also decimated the 2025 NBA playoffs, befalling stars such as Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum and then-Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard, who now plays for the Portland Trail Blazers.
Recent data suggests the injury is rare — about two cases for every 100,000 people who checked into US emergency departments …
Achilles Tendon and Calf Injuries While Playing Pickleball – And How to Avoid Them!
Dr. Patrick Thompson, DPT, OCS, Dip. Osteopractic, FAAOMPTm Jun 6, 2024
Pickleball continues its meteoric rise in popularity across the nation due to accessibility to the game, ability to be enjoyed by all ages, and – quite frankly – its addictiveness.
One of these key drivers in the rise of Pickleball’s popularity – the ability to be enjoyed by all ages and athletic abilities – is a large factor in the sudden influx of an assortment of injuries, but notably, Achilles Tendon and Calf Injuries.
Achilles tendon injuries are complex and the injury most likely involves more than just the calf muscle. In order to understand how to avoid these potentially serious injuries, it is important to first understand both what the Achilles Tendon is and its function.
Why is an Achilles Tendon injury common in Pickleball?
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Improper warm up – It is paramount to dedicate the appropriate time both before and after a Pickleball match to prepare your body for exercise to prevent injury
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Poor footwear – Footwear plays a key role in ankle stability and traction while playing Pickleball. Poor shoe choice can predispose a Pickleballer to slipping or improper ground reaction forces through the Achilles Tendon.
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Slippery/Uneven playing surfaces – The rise in popularity of Pickleball has grown faster than some local communities’ ability to provide dedicated courts. This means that many Pickleball courts are haphazardly created, and the playing surface may have cracks and various imperfections leading to injury.
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Explosive and Dynamic Movements – Despite the idea that Pickleball is a relaxing and “easy” game, it requires explosive and reactionary movements throughout matches. These dynamic movements can cause injury to the Achilles Tendon or, more commonly, a Calf Strain.
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Sudden Overuse and Overload to the ankle – The fact that Pickleball is so darn fun makes it overwhelmingly addictive. While this is a great thing that countless people are spending many hours exercising and having fun, this does predispose the Achilles Tendon to sudden overuse and inflammation. This overuse injury is commonly referred to as Achilles Tendonitis and progresses to Achilles Tendinosis,
How to Avoid and Injury to the Achilles Tendon
Another key component is staying hydrated and to consume proper nutrition to keep your body performing in top shape.
