In Greek mythology, Achilles was the powerful hero of the Trojan War, but he had one weak spot on the back of his leg at the lower part of the heel. This vulnerability led to his demise and to the phrase "my Achilles heel," meaning a vulnerable spot. The legend and the phrase are relevant to the sport of bodybuilding because rupturing the Achilles tendon takes a devastating toll on your body, your ability to move about, your peace of mind and possibly your career.
Location
The Achilles tendon is the thickest, strongest, most powerful tendon in the human body. The tendon acts as a type of large elastic band that extends from the calf muscle to the back of the heel and stretches when you lift your toes and contracts when you point them. Could you imagine attempting to do lunges, use a treadmill, stair climb or perform leg presses with out the use of the lower half of your leg? You also need your Achilles tendon during daily activities that incorporate movements such as toe raises, toe lifts, heel raises, heel lifts and squats.
Surgery
The latest surgical advancements in technology, have afforded famous athletes such as football quarterback Dan Marino the ability to have their Achilles tendons repaired and restore their careers, according to InjuryUpdate.com.au, an Australian online resource for sports injury information. Kevin Willits, M.D., an associate professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Western Ontario in London, explains that because the tear usually remains in strands that mend together with the support of the blood clots surrounding the injury, the Achilles tendon has a unique ability to heal well with nonsurgical repair. Willits goes on to say that one major factor contributing to successful outcomes with both surgical and nonsurgical repair of an Achilles tendon rupture is early mobilization. Early mobilization causes the blood vessels that lead to the area of injury to regenerate, and they promote healing to the tendon. Strength is also brought back to the muscles that support the tendon.
Warm Up
One way to avoid injury is to warm up before exercise. Slowly stretch all of the muscles, tendons and ligaments of the area that you are going to exercise as well as the supporting areas of the body. Muscle development plays a role in avoiding injury to the Achilles tendon. If you are doing a squat and your rectus femoris muscle in your quadriceps is well developed but your gastrocnemius muscle in your calf is underdeveloped, you can easily pull the Achilles tendon on the way back up from your squat or lose balance and topple over with the heavy weights in your hands. The proper use of a spotter will also reduce your chances of injury.
Tendonitis
Peg Chilvers, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Oakland, California, reports that the Achilles tendon can withstand forces up to 1,000 lbs. but is ruptured with more frequency than any other tendon in the body. Achilles tendonitis occurs when the tendon become irritated and or inflamed and is less severe than a rupture but has more of a tendency to become chronic. If you experience a cracking or popping sound during your workout, consult your doctor.
