I’m only 28-years old, and I’ve just tore my Achilles tendon. I thought this type of injury was more common in older men.

Achilles rupture occurs in three main groups of men and women. The first and largest group is weekend athletes in their late 30s and 40s. These injuries can also occur in younger, well-conditioned athletes in their late 20s. You fall into this second group.

Any sport or activity with maximal effort or moving forward rapidly can result in an Achilles rupture. Most Achilles injuries are running injuries. Other typical sports activities linked to Achilles rupture include basketball, tennis, baseball, or softball.

In a smaller number of adults rupture can occur all of a sudden without trauma. Degenerative changes in the tendon from aging are usually linked to these injuries. The use of steroids for inflammation also increases the risk of tendon rupture.