Star David

Star David
Star David

What Soccer Star David Beckham’s Ruptured Achilles Tendon Means For You

The Achilles tendon is an important connection between the calf and the heel and once of the strongest in the body. If it ruptures, it can be catastrophic…especially for athletes. On March 14, soccer player David Beckham tore his left Achilles tendon during a match against Chievo Verona. The Achilles tendon has an important function to allow you to stand on your toes, a motion that is called plantarflexion.

A rupture or tear of the Achilles tendon limits mobility as you are not able to push off your toes. This limits and restricts your ability to walk and run. At the site of rupture you will see signs of swelling, tenderness and bruising along where the tendon tore. Injuries to the Achilles are usually caused by sudden force or a weakening of the tendon that gives due to a regular force. Many describe a feeling of being kicked in the back of the leg when the tendon ruptures.

Certain individuals are susceptible to Achilles tendon tears, especially people who wear shoes that plantarflex their toes such as women wearing high heels. This constant position of plantarflexion of the foot causes the Achilles tendon to shorten, causing the tendon to become tighter. When the individual stands in a more neutral position, forces will cause the tendon to either stretch or tear.

In order to prevent the shortening of the Achilles tendon, it is advised to wear proper shoes. It is also very important to stretch after a run or a workout. Running causes contracture of the tendon and can cause it to tighten. Stretching will help to restore the length of the tendon and allow for an easier muscle recovery.

Most Achilles tendon ruptures are partial tears. In fact, many are often confused with Achilles tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendon. My rule of thumb in my Houston podiatry practice is, if a patient does not respond to a short course of anti-inflammatory medication, I send them for an MRI to rule out a rupture. Treating a partial tear aggressively often leads to a quick and uneventful recovery. Ignoring it, however, can lead it to further weaken and become a complete rupture.

Recovering from a complete Achilles tendon tear is very long and frustrating. Surgery to reattach the tendon is often necessary. This is followed up by immobilization and physical therapy. In the case of David Beckham, he had surgery the following day to repair his Achilles tendon and is expected to make a recovery within the next 5-8 months and is expected to return to the field sometime in September of this year.

About the Author

Dr. Andrew Schneider is a podiatrist in private practice in Houston, TX. He is dedicated to maintaining the health and safety of the feet of athletes and return them to their sport as soon as possible after injury. For more information about foot health in sports, informative videos, and to order Dr. Schneider’s FREE book,
visit his website
and his blog
“The Houston Running Chronicles”

Hexagram – Star of David or star of… (1of2)


Womens Reef Krystal Star Wedding Sandals


Womens Reef Krystal Star Wedding Sandals


$27.95


Krystal Star Wedding Sandals

Womens Reef Star Cushion Sandals


Womens Reef Star Cushion Sandals


$27.95


Look like a Hollyood starlet in the Reef Star Cushion Sandals

Womens Suncloud Star Polarized Sunglasses


Womens Suncloud Star Polarized Sunglasses


$49.99


Built to stay in place, these shades are perfect for any adventure.

Womens Reef Krystal Star Sandal


Womens Reef Krystal Star Sandal


$27.95


Keep your feet sparkly and happy in both the night and day. The Krystal Nite Reef Sandals are what you want to dress up a sandal with a sparkly strap and feminine wedge. With Reef’s classic contoured EVA footbed and rubber sponge outsole for flexibility, you’ll be able to dance the night away in the Krystal Nite Reef Sandals.

Womens Reef Krystal Star Luxe Sandals


Womens Reef Krystal Star Luxe Sandals


$31.95


A super cute wedge from Reef with a sparkly strap. Perfect for your holiday getaway. 

Kids Reef Little Krystal Star Sandals


Kids Reef Little Krystal Star Sandals


$17.95


Keep your feet sparkly and happy in both the night and day. The Reef Little Krystal Sandals are what you want to dress up a sandal with a sparkly strap and feminine wedge. With Reef’s classic contoured EVA footbed and rubber sponge outsole for flexibility, you’ll be able to dance the night away in the Reef Little Krystal Sandals

Mens Sanuk Kyoto Sidewalk Surfers


Mens Sanuk Kyoto Sidewalk Surfers


$64.95


Kyoto Sidewalk Surfers are from Sanuk. Hey dude these are the 5 star shoes. That means they’re awesome!

Womens Angie CHEETAH PRINT STRAPLESS ROMPER


Womens Angie CHEETAH PRINT STRAPLESS ROMPER


$34.5


CHEETAH PRINT STRAPLESS ROMPER by Angie/Star of India Fashions will bring out the claws in other girls. They will be exceptionally jealous.

Womens Olukai Hoku Moc


Womens Olukai Hoku Moc


$99.95


Hoku Moc, meaning star, is a light and lovely product of OluKai . Infintely comfortable and decidedly delicate is the best way to describe this shoe.

Bikers - Star Brite


Bikers – Star Brite


$40


Make her wishes come true with the SKECHERS Bikers – Star Brite shoe. Leather, synthetic and mesh fabric upper in a slip on bungee casual sneaker with stitching and overlay accents. Side stripe detail.

Tone-ups Chalet - North Star


Tone-ups Chalet – North Star


$80


Find your way to style, warmth and comfort in the SKECHERS Tone-ups Chalet – North Star boot. Soft suede-textured fabric and parka nylon fabric upper in a slip on casual mid calf height cool weather boot with stitching and overlay accents. Tone-ups styl

DC Star 1 Hooded Pullover


DC Star 1 Hooded Pullover


$50


Be a star in the DC Star Pullover Fleece Hoodie. This sweatshirt with the DC logo printed front ans center is sure to make you shine.

Converse All Star Ox Black Shoe


Converse All Star Ox Black Shoe


$50


Converse All Star Ox Black Shoe

O'Neill Lone Star S/S Woven


O’Neill Lone Star S/S Woven


$36


O’Neill Lone Star S/S Woven

Converse Star Play Ls Ox  Shoe


Converse Star Play Ls Ox Shoe


$60


Converse Star Play Ls Ox Shoe

Converse All Star Ox Optical White Shoe


Converse All Star Ox Optical White Shoe


$50


Converse All Star Ox Optical White Shoe

O'Neill Star Party Top


O’Neill Star Party Top


$29.95


O’Neill brings to you another great piece from their Desert Rose collection. The Star Party is a perfect lightweight top that will be racking up the compliments this season. Coming in two colors for you to enjoy this season.

Reef Star Cushion Sandal


Reef Star Cushion Sandal


$28


Shine like the stars in the Reef Star Cushion Sandal. With a sparkly toe strap and a cushioned EVA footbed its as if your walking amongst the stars and in the clouds!

Silver Star Ladies Black Rising Star Premium T-shirt


Silver Star Ladies Black Rising Star Premium T-shirt


$35.95


Get used to being in demand when you rock this cute Rising Star premium tee by Silver Star featuring a gradient fade and felt appliqué detailing!

Leave a Reply