by Liz Bonis, WKRC | To read the full article, click here.

CINCINNATI (WKRC) – Foot and ankle injuries are on the rise in the Tri-State area, with incidents occurring from outdoor slips and falls to sports-related mishaps.

Michael Batdorf, an avid pickleball player, experienced a severe injury when he ruptured his Achilles tendon, which connects the calf muscles to the heel bone.

“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy,” Batdorf said.

Dr. John Linz, who performed surgery on Batdorf, explained the severity of the injury.

“He completely ruptured that tendon in two,” Linz said.

As Batdorf continues his recovery in physical therapy, experts are highlighting the importance of proper preparation to prevent such injuries. Dr. Linz noted that inadequate stretching is a common cause of these injuries.

Physical therapist Mariah Nierman also emphasized the critical role stretching plays in staying healthy, advising:

“It’s more about lower intensity, lower time usually at least 30 seconds, or a full minute, under less pressure,” said Nierman.

Nierman added that warming up before stretching can also make a difference in preventing injuries.