MD Podiatrist Explains Why Turf Fields Pose a Risk to Athletes

Aaron Rodgers, of the New York Jets, tore his Achilles tendon during a nationally televised game on Monday. “His foot on the turf was not able to give way, and on that extra extension, the Achilles had nowhere to go,” said Dan Michaels, DPM. For younger folks playing high-contact sports, Dr. Michaels said, you see a similar type of injury.
 
 
Recovery can vary depending on the injury. Michaels said it’s no less than three months before you can even start rehab, whether for an NFL athlete or a high school football player. “Typically, it’s going to be in a walking boot with a little bit of a heel lift to take some of that tension off the tendon. Allow that kid to heal before he goes back into the sport and has further damage,” Michaels said.