Risk factors

Factors that may increase your risk of Achilles tendon rupture include:

• Age. The peak age for Achilles tendon rupture is 30 to 40.
• Sex. Achilles tendon rupture is up to five times more likely to occur in men than in women.
• Recreational sports. Achilles tendon injuries occur more often during sports that involve running, jumping, and sudden starts and stops � such as soccer, basketball and tennis.
• Steroid injections. Doctors sometimes inject steroids into an ankle joint to reduce pain and inflammation. However, this medication can weaken nearby tendons and has been associated with Achilles tendon ruptures.
• Certain antibiotics. Fluoroquinolone antibiotics, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) or levofloxacin (Levaquin), increase the risk of Achilles tendon rupture.
• Obesity. Excess weight puts more strain on the tendon.