Sprint coach and running mechanics expert, Derek Hansen, discusses the rise of Achilles tendon injuries in athletes, the impact of health issues and workload balance, the role of proactive rest in athletic performance, the influence of field surfaces on injuries, and the biomechanics of Achilles tendon injuries in athletes.
Achilles tendon injuries have a higher impact and lower success rate in sports compared to ACL injuries, necessitating robust prevention strategies.
Factors contributing to Achilles tendon ruptures in younger athletes include training transitions, workload management, surface variations, and age-related tendon resilience, highlighting the need for tailored injury prevention methods.
Footwear design, ankle stability, and calf muscle training play crucial roles in preventing Achilles injuries, with stiff competition shoes and ankle taping potentially increasing tendon stress.
Deep dives
Athlete and Coach Background
The podcast episode discusses the background and experience of Derek Hanson, starting as a track and field athlete and transitioning into coaching primarily on speed and strength. Hanson shares his coaching journey, including working with national and pro teams, teaching staff, and focusing on tracking injuries to identify patterns for prevention.
Focus on Achilles Injuries
The conversation shifts towards Achilles tendon injuries, highlighting their significance as potential career-enders in sports. The discussion compares ACL injuries with Achilles tendon ruptures, emphasizing the shocking and debilitative nature of Achilles injuries, with lower success rates in returning to sports post-injury. The fear and prominence of Achilles ruptures in athletic circles are explored, pointing to a need for prevention strategies.
Factors Influencing Achilles Injuries
The podcast delves into various factors influencing the rise of Achilles tendon ruptures, particularly in younger athletes. Discussions include the impact of training transitions, workload management, surface variations, and age-related tendon resilience. Critiques of training surfaces, preparation, and the need for consistent training environments emerge as key considerations in understanding and preventing Achilles injuries.
Impact of Dryland Training on Achilles Ruptures in Hockey Players
The podcast delves into the dangers of Achilles ruptures in hockey players due to dryland training activities. It highlights the shift in biomechanics from on-ice movements to off-ice scenarios like plyometrics and sprints, which strain the Achilles tendon differently. The discussion emphasizes the unfamiliar stress dryland training places on the Achilles, making athletes susceptible to injuries during activities such as sled pulls or jumps. The importance of assessing individual mechanics and adjusting loads to prevent excessive strain on the Achilles tendon is underscored to mitigate injury risks in hockey players.
Role of Footwear and Ankle Stability in Achilles Health
Another key point explored in the podcast revolves around the impact of footwear and ankle stability on Achilles health. The conversation revolves around the stiffness of competition shoes and the potential asymmetry in shoe design leading to soft tissue injuries. The shift towards stiffer shoes and variations in shoe flexibility is linked to increased stress on the Achilles tendon during activities like sprinting. Moreover, the discussion extends to ankle taping in sports like the NBA and NFL, speculating on its impact on Achilles tendon stress and the potential risks associated with reduced ankle joint mobility. The importance of considering footwear design, ankle stability, and calf muscle training to prevent Achilles injuries is highlighted as essential factors in athlete preparation and injury prevention strategies.
