Something caused all this. But what caused...that cause?

Causes of Achilles tendon rupture

Your Achilles tendon helps you point your foot downward, rise on your toes and push off your foot as you walk. You rely on it virtually every time you move your foot. Injuries to your Achilles tendon result from repeated stress on the tendon, which may be caused or aggravated by:

-Overuse
-Running on hills and hard surfaces
-Poor stretching habits
-Tight calf muscles
-Weak calf muscles
-Worn out or poor fitting shoes
-Flatfeet

Injuries to your Achilles tendon can often result from taking part in an activity involving stop-and-start footwork for which you're not conditioned or for which you haven't stretched properly. This might include playing tennis, racquetball or basketball for the first time after a long break.

Sometimes, though, injuries can occur from simply putting too much stress on your Achilles tendon in the course of a simple activity, such as gardening. Occasionally, even highly conditioned athletes may rupture an Achilles tendon.

As you age, the risk of Achilles tendon rupture may increase. If you don't exercise regularly, the Achilles tendon may weaken and become thin, making it more susceptible to injury.