Achilles Tears Are on the Rise—What Edmond Athletes (and Parents) Need to Know

Sports MedicineSports Physical TherapyPhysical Therapy
Written By Colton Bunney

The Thunder Took the Title—But Haliburton’s Injury Stole the Spotlight

Oklahoma City was electric this June as the Thunder clinched the 2025 NBA Finals with a Game 7 victory over the Pacers. While the confetti rained down and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander took home Finals MVP, one moment left fans across the country holding their breath:

Tyrese Haliburton went down in the first quarter with a torn Achilles tendon.

It was a heartbreaking end to a phenomenal season—and a chilling reminder that Achilles tears can happen to even the best-prepared athletes.

Here at Next Level Sports Performance & Therapy in Edmond, Oklahoma, we’ve been seeing a concerning rise in Achilles injuries—not just in the pros, but in high school and youth athletes across multiple sports.

This post will explain why it’s happening, what signs to watch for, and how specialized physical therapy near you can make all the difference in preventing career-changing injuries.

Why Are Achilles Injuries Becoming More Common in Young Athletes?

Once considered a “veteran injury,” Achilles tears are increasingly showing up in middle school and high school athletes in Edmond, Oklahoma. Fast-moving sports like basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, and track put enormous strain on the tendon—especially when paired with year-round competition and early specialization.

Factors driving the trend:

  • Overuse and lack of cross-training

  • Poor recovery and sleep habits

  • Weak posterior chain (calves, glutes, hamstrings)

  • Incomplete rehab from earlier ankle or knee injuries

What happened to Haliburton may seem far removed—but the risks are very real for athletes right here in Edmond, Oklahoma.

If Haliburton’s Achilles Can Go, So Can Your Child’s

Tyrese Haliburton is one of the most skilled and conditioned athletes in the NBA. He had top-tier trainers, recovery tools, and a full medical staff behind him—and he still tore his Achilles.

Imagine what could happen to your child if they’re not getting:

  • Proper sport-specific movement screening

  • Ongoing strength and mobility training

  • Quality post-op care after surgeries like ACL reconstructions

That’s where most physical therapy near me searches fall short. Generic clinics don’t offer the sports-specific care needed to prevent or detect early signs of serious tendon injuries.

Warning Signs of an Achilles Problem You Shouldn’t Ignore

Whether your athlete just finished ACL rehab or is in the middle of a busy tournament season, here are signs they might be on the verge of a serious injury:

  • Recurring “tight calves”

  • Soreness around the heel or Achilles after workouts

  • Decreased explosiveness when jumping or sprinting

  • A limp that fades after warming up

  • History of ankle sprains or foot pain

Don’t write these off as growing pains or overuse. Catching these patterns early is key to prevention.

How We Protect Edmond’s Athletes at Next Level PT

At Next Level PT, we treat Achilles injury risk the same way we treat ACL recovery: with a sports-specific, one-on-one approach that helps athletes move better and stay stronger.

We use:

  • Strength and mobility testing of the posterior chain

  • Jump mechanics and sprint analysis

  • Calf and tendon loading programs

  • Return-to-play evaluations tailored to sport

  • Movement corrections for athletes post-ACL surgery

We help parents in Edmond, Oklahoma do more than react—we help them prevent.

What Edmond Families Are Saying

“Colton was very helpful and amazing to work with! Extremely knowledgeable about recovery or injury and how to best protect and help his client. When I first began working with him I was unable to run or jump, and by the end of 3 months I’m back to fully healthy and as confident as ever. Would definitely recommend going to him!”

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

The Thunder brought home a championship—but Haliburton may miss the entire 2025–26 season. For your young athlete, even one missed season can derail momentum, confidence, and opportunity.

If you’ve been searching “physical therapy near me”, now is the time to make sure your choice is focused on performance—not just basic rehab.

🎯 Let’s make sure your athlete is built to last. Start with a discovery call today:
👉 https://www.nextlevelptok.com/get-started

Colton Bunney
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