Houston’s Parks Department offers an array of recreational sports leagues for adults who love the thrill of competition, want to meet new friends, or are looking for a way to stay active and keep their weight down. Basketball, kickball, flag football, volleyball, and slow pitch softball are all options for interested individuals. We want to remind you to be safe and warm up before taking to the field, though. An injury, like a stress fracture, sprained ankle, or an Achilles tendon rupture, is always a possibility and you want to avoid that if you can.

One of the main reasons that an Achilles tendon rupture is possible in an adult rec league is the fact that the tendon can grow thin and weak from lack of use and with age. When middle-aged athletes, particularly men, engage in vigorous activity that entails running, pivoting, and jumping (as in a basketball game, for example) it can be too much for the Achilles tendon.

Fortunately, the risk of injury to your tendon can be decreased with a variety of preventative measures. Stretching and strengthening your calf muscles is one such technique. Gently stretch your calf until you feel a noticeable pull and hold the stretch without bouncing. Gradually progress the levels of intensity and frequency for exercising. When you jump in with “too much, too soon” you greatly increase the odds of injury happening. Additionally, mixing up your exercises by incorporating low-impact sports (walking, yoga, swimming) will keep excessive stress off of your Achilles tendons.

When you suffer an Achilles tendon rupture in your basketball or kickball league, Parker Foot & Ankle is right here for you. Houston’s original High Tech Podiatrist, Dr. Robert Parker, uses state-of-the-art treatment methods to ensure that your foot and ankle pain is taken care of in an expedient fashion. He developed a new surgical method for repairing neglected Achilles tendon ruptures, based on the tongue-in-groove gastrocnemius recession procedure, and has the most training, experience, and skill to address your injury.