What Tyrese Haliburton’s Achilles Tendon Tear Can Teach Us — How to Protect Yourself from Injury

Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton has officially suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon — one of the most feared injuries in sports. The non-contact nature of the play that caused it is a reminder of just how suddenly tendon injuries can happen, even for elite athletes.

The Achilles tendon connects your calf muscles to your heel and powers jumping, pushing off, and quick directional changes. Ruptures often feel like a sudden pop or snap, and can take six months to a year of recovery. While Haliburton’s case is high-profile, Achilles tendon injuries like his are becoming more common among recreational athletes and active adults.

How to Prevent Achilles Tendon Injuries

1. Don’t rush your return to activity.
Many Achilles tendon injuries happen when people go from low to high intensity activity too quickly. Increase your activity gradually after taking time off.

2. Strengthen the calves and ankles.
Simple exercises like calf raises and ankle mobility drills can help reduce your risk.

3. Prioritize warm-ups.
A dynamic warm-up gets blood flowing to the tendon and prepares it for stress.

4. Pay attention to warning signs.
Lingering tightness, swelling, or pain in the lower leg or heel shouldn’t be ignored. Catching a minor issue early can help prevent a major one.

Haliburton’s injury is a powerful reminder that Achilles injuries aren’t just a concern for professional athletes — they’re becoming increasingly common among active adults and recreational athletes, too. If you’re active or getting back into activity, take care of your lower legs and don’t ignore pain.

Concerned about heel or ankle pain?

Jackson Health System’s orthopedic and sports medicine experts can help. Learn more or schedule an appointment.

Chensiyuan, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons