Your Achilles tendon run runs down the back of your leg and attaches to your heel. This is one of the most important tendons in the entire body, allowing the foot to work and rotate correctly. If you stretch your foot forward and touch the back of your heel, you can actually feel the Achilles tendon moving under the skin.
In some cases, workers will suffer catastrophic Achilles injuries that require immediate medical attention. This can happen if the worker ruptures their Achilles tendon or tears it. They may have to make a quick motion or lift something that is heavier than they expected, putting strain on the Achilles. This is a very common sports injury, so you’ll often see it in the National Football League, but it can also happen to workers in warehouses, office buildings, retail centers, construction sites and much more.
Overuse injury
But a full tear or rupture is relatively uncommon. What often happens is that workers develop Achilles tendinitis, which is a type of overuse injury.
This can happen when workers are repeatedly making the same motion. It’s especially common if the worker has a previous injury or doesn’t have proper footwear. This repetitive motion puts strain on the tendon, which becomes inflamed. Once it does, further motion leads to increased – and consistent – pain and discomfort.
When this becomes serious, workers may even struggle with mobility issues. Someone may have trouble walking around, and they may find it impossible to do physical tasks or even move at a slow jog. Achilles tendonitis can be a serious issue that lasts for weeks or even months on end.
If you have suffered an Achilles injury on the job, be sure you understand all of the legal options at your disposal.