NBA star Jayson Tatum suffered a devastating Achilles tendon rupture during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals on May 12. The injury left him visibly distraught and unable to put weight on his injured right leg, prompting an immediate examination in the locker room. This is not the first such incident in recent weeks, as Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard also suffered a similar blow in the playoffs.
The Achilles tendon plays a crucial role in connecting calf muscles to the foot via the heel, facilitating movements like walking and jumping. High demands on NBA athletes due to repetitive jumping and running make them more prone to Achilles ruptures. The standard treatment for such injuries is surgical repair, which is often performed within 24-48 hours post-injury.
Tatum’s surgeon, Dr. Martin O’Malley, has a reputation for performing successful Achilles repairs, including Kevin Durant’s case in 2019. Durant’s remarkable recovery serves as an inspiration to Tatum, who will benefit from timely surgery and expert care.
The recovery process typically involves a six-month to one-year rehabilitation period, with athletes gradually increasing weight-bearing and range of motion exercises. However, mental recovery is also crucial, as the suddenness and severity of Achilles ruptures can leave athletes questioning their return to pre-injury form.
Players like Kobe Bryant, who returned from an Achilles injury in 2013, and Klay Thompson, who recovered from a torn ACL before tearing his Achilles, offer insights into Tatum’s potential recovery path. While it’s uncertain how long it will take for Tatum to regain his explosiveness, youth on his side and sparse injury history bode well for his recovery.
Source: https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/45149253/jayson-tatum-achilles-tear-celtics-star-faces-recovery