Drastic increase in Achilles tendon injuries

“We know from other research that it is a high-risk sport for the Achilles tendon. The number of players has increased significantly, many of whom are older and sometimes perhaps overambitious in their exercise. With age comes more diseases that can also be a contributing factor," he says.

Achilles tendon ruptures often lead to long-term problems such as muscle weakness, regardless of initial treatment. About 85 per cent are treated non-surgically today, with the goal that the injury heals on its own. The tendon can also be sutured by a surgeon, but Simon Svedman's thesis shows that the time between injury and treatment in these cases has increased, which negatively affects patients' recovery. 

The thesis also shows that blood clots during the recovery period, when the calf muscle is immobilised in a cast or orthosis, are common and have negative effects on those affected. 

“Preventing blood clots in the leg after an Achilles injury is important. Only about one per cent seek care, but ultrasound screening shows that as many as 40-50 per cent actually get blood clots within six weeks of the injury, which can lead to serious complications," says Simon Svedman.

In the ongoing study STOP Leg Clots, Simon Svedman is now investigating whether a type of pump that can improve blood circulation in the calf can help during the period when the leg must be kept still.

“We hope it can counteract blood clots and muscle fatty degeneration and improve long-term recovery," he says. 

Simon Svedman is a physician and defended his thesis in March 2025 at the Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery at Karolinska Institutet.