Achilles Tendon Ruptures

It seems to be happening more and more these days, with Tyrese Haliburton the latest to go down with one. It’s becoming more common, and not just in elite athletes. Weekend warriors, runners, and even folks doing a casual game of pickleball are increasingly affected.

But why?

The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest tendon in the body, connecting your calf muscles to your heel. Despite its size, it’s vulnerable—especially in adults aged 30–50 who stay active but don’t always stretch, warm up, or train consistently. Add in reduced blood flow to that area and you’ve got a perfect storm: a vascular watershed zone under constant stress.

In this video, I break down exactly how and why Achilles tendon ruptures happen, what it means for your recovery, and how famous athletes like Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant managed theirs. We also explore the current treatment debate: surgery vs. non-operative management. The outcomes may surprise you.