Which of the following is a common cause of a ruptured Achilles tendon?

A common cause of a ruptured Achilles tendon is excessive forced dorsiflexion of the ankle. This specific movement places significant stress on the tendon, particularly when an individual is engaged in activities that require sudden acceleration, jumping, or rapid changes in direction.

During activities such as running or playing basketball, the calf muscles contract forcefully to propel the body forward, and if the ankle is forcibly flexed upwards (dorsiflexed) at the same time, the Achilles tendon can be overstretched beyond its capacity, leading to a rupture. This injury is often more likely to occur in individuals who are deconditioned or those who suddenly increase their level of physical activity without adequate preparation.

While direct impact on the tendon can cause injury, it is not the most typical scenario for ruptures, which are generally related to overexertion or improper movement mechanics. Similarly, sitting too long without moving does not contribute to the risk of a ruptured Achilles tendon, nor does injury due to muscle overexertion directly correlate with the specific nature of a rupture in this area, as it is more about the mechanics and forces acting on the tendon during dynamic activities.