ACCHILLES TENDON INJURIES AND REHABILITATION IN SPORTS

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to examine the existing literature on Achilles tendon injuries, which, despite being one of the strongest tendons in the human body, are among the most common injuries in athletes. The aim is to prevent the decline in an athlete's performance due to Achilles tendon injuries, evaluate ways to avoid re-injury, and shed light on the post-injury process for athletes. The Achilles tendon is a thick and strong tendon located where the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles meet the calcaneus. Injuries are influenced by inadequate training techniques, sudden increases in training intensity, improper footwear, surface and biomechanical factors. The most common injuries among them are tendinopathy and rupture. The treatment program varies depending on the type of injury and individual factors. The main treatment methods are conservative and surgical treatment. Conservative treatment includes immobilization, physical therapy, orthosis, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Post-surgical rehabilitation consists of four stages: early post-operative, mid-rehabilitation, late rehabilitation, and return to sports. The planning of these stages varies based on the extent of the surgery, individual factors, and the requirements of the sports discipline. To facilitate a safe return to sports, a gradual and progressive rehabilitation program, including specific exercises for strength, flexibility, and biomechanical factors, is often implemented. Evaluating criteria such as pain status, muscle strength, joint range of motion, jumping, and running capacity is important when returning to sports after an injury to prevent re-injury and performance decline.