DR COLIN GRIFFIN, PHD, ASCC

Introduction
Every professional football team can anticipate at least one Achilles tendon injury per season, and, if fortunate, a rupture every few years. Achilles tendinopathies account for 2.5% of all injuries in professional football, with initial injuries resulting in an average absence of 18-23 days1 and 22% of cases with symptoms lasting more than 4 weeks.

However, the recurrence rate is 27%, with an elevated risk if recovery from the initial injury is less than 10 days with older players particularly susceptible. Recurrent achilles tendinopathies can extend
bsence times to more than 30 days.