Calf Strains, Achilles Ruptures, and What Young Athletes Can Learn from Haliburton’s Injury

When Tyrese Haliburton collapsed during Game 7 of the NBA Finals, basketball fans around the world held their breath. It was not just the end of a season. It was the kind of injury you do not walk off.

A ruptured Achilles tendon.

Since that moment, basketball players we work with have been messaging us. They are concerned about tight calves or that persistent niggle that will not go away. The question they keep asking is the same.

“Is this how it starts?”

Let’s break it down. What happened to Haliburton was not just bad luck. It was the final straw in a chain of events that can begin with something as simple as a calf strain.

Understanding the Injury: What Happened to Haliburton?

Reports confirmed Haliburton was playing through a calf strain, a common injury for explosive athletes.

And of course he was playing. It was Game 7 of the NBA Finals. These players do not sit out lightly.

But here is where it becomes dangerous. A calf strain is not just a bit of tightness. It is a tear in the muscle fibres of the gastrocnemius or soleus, which are the two main muscles that make up the calf.

When one of those muscles is compromised, it cannot generate or absorb force properly. That force does not disappear. It shifts to another structure.

That is where the Achilles tendon becomes vulnerable.

The Biomechanical Chain: Why the Achilles Picks Up the Load

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is built to transmit powerful forces for activities like sprinting, jumping, and rapid changes in direction.

When a calf muscle is injured, the body compensates to keep moving. That compensation places more strain on the Achilles tendon.

Now picture this:

• The calf muscle is torn or partially torn

• The player is fatigued from intense play

• Every explosive movement adds more strain to the tendon

• The Achilles takes on a workload it was not designed to handle alone

Over time, this leads to overloading. Add a high-force movement at the wrong moment, and the tendon can rupture without warning.

A Troubling Trend: Achilles Injuries in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

Haliburton’s injury was not an isolated event. The 2025 NBA Playoffs saw several Achilles ruptures among top players:

• Tyrese Haliburton (Indiana Pacers) ruptured his right Achilles in Game 7 of the NBA Finals

• Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) suffered a right Achilles rupture in the Eastern Conference semifinals

• Damian Lillard (Milwaukee Bucks) tore his left Achilles in the first round against Indiana

In total, seven players sustained Achilles injuries during the 2024–25 season. This has raised concerns among medical staff and league officials about injury risk factors, including fatigue, court conditions, and overtraining.

These injuries often occur without contact. That suggests they may result from cumulative overload and unaddressed strain rather than trauma.

What Is a Calf Strain?

A calf strain is a tear in the muscle fibres of the gastrocnemius or soleus. These muscles power propulsion and absorb shock. When injured, they become a weak point in the kinetic chain.

Common symptoms include:

• Sharp or pulling pain in the back of the lower leg

• Swelling or bruising

• Pain when pointing the foot or rising onto the toes

• Cramping or tightness during exercise

• Limping or difficulty walking

Strains are classified by severity:

• Grade I: Mild overstretch with minimal damage

• Grade II: Partial tear with moderate pain and weakness

• Grade III: Complete rupture, often requiring longer rehabilitation

Players often continue training with Grade I or II strains. Without proper rest and rehabilitation, this can shift more load to the Achilles.

Why Young Athletes Should Not Ignore Calf Pain

Junior athletes may be tempted to brush off calf pain. They often see it as part of training or a normal ache after hard sessions. But ignoring symptoms can lead to bigger issues.

Here is what we commonly see in our clinic:

• Athletes return to full sport too soon

• They skip rehabilitation or cut it short

• They train through discomfort

• Biomechanical imbalances go uncorrected

Over time, these habits create a situation where the Achilles has to work harder. This increases the chance of chronic irritation or sudden injury.

Early intervention can stop this cycle before it leads to more serious damage.

How Calf Strain Leads to Achilles Overload

When a calf muscle cannot contract effectively, the body shifts effort to surrounding tissues. The Achilles tendon becomes the primary driver of movement, even though it is not built to generate force on its own.

This shift creates:

• Increased strain through the tendon

• Higher risk of microtears at the tendon’s attachment point

• Less efficient shock absorption

• A delayed healing process if loading continues without modification

This is especially dangerous in high-performance sport, where repetitive jumping and sprinting are constant.

Could It Have Been Prevented?

In Haliburton’s case, the calf strain was known. Playing through it was a choice based on the importance of the game.

Could it have been prevented? Possibly. Addressing the calf strain early, managing load, and reducing explosive movements would have reduced the risk.

Other factors may have contributed:

• Fatigue from long playoff minutes

• Suboptimal court grip

• Previous lower limb injuries

• Footwear design or wear pattern

• Accelerated return from previous strains

In amateur and junior sport, we often have more flexibility. Players can afford to rest and recover. That time should be used wisely.

How We Manage Calf Strains at My Family Podiatry

Our approach focuses on resolving the strain and preventing further complications.

1. Assessment and Diagnosis

We begin with a clinical examination of calf strength, flexibility, and pain response. Imaging may be used if a calf strain or tear is suspected.

2. Load Management

Rather than full rest, we guide athletes through modified activity. This allows tissue healing while maintaining general fitness.

3. Strength and Rehabilitation

We use a structured rehab plan including:

• Isometric calf holds

• Eccentric heel drops

• Mobility and strength work for the hip, knee, and foot

• Gradual return to sport drills

4. Biomechanical Review

We assess foot posture, joint range, and gait. Custom orthotics or footwear changes may be recommended if mechanics are contributing to overload.

Tips for Young Athletes: What You Can Do Now

If you are experiencing calf pain, even mild, take it seriously. You are not in a championship final. You have time to recover properly.

Here are simple actions you can take:

• Get assessed by a podiatrist or physiotherapist

• Avoid pushing through sprint drills or high-impact training

• Follow a tailored rehab program

• Invest in quality, supportive footwear

• Prioritise a good warm-up and recovery routine

• Maintain hydration, sleep, and nutrition

If you feel tension, heat, or pain in the Achilles area, do not ignore it. That is your body telling you something is not right.

Final Thoughts

Haliburton’s injury was dramatic, but it was not surprising. It followed a pattern that we see all too often. It begins with an unaddressed strain that leads to compensation and overload.

For young and developing athletes, the message is simple.

When your calves are talking to you, listen. Before your Achilles does.

If you or your child is dealing with tight calves, foot pain, or ongoing tendon discomfort, early treatment can make all the difference.

Book an appointment at My Family Podiatry in Albany Creek. Let us help you move with confidence and reduce your injury risk.

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