Why Is A Torn Achilles Such A Devastating Injury?
BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The thrill of victory and the agony of the Achilles. For the second times this season, the Ravens lose a key team leader to a torn Achilles. Steve Smith, Sr. is the latest major Ravens injury.
Marcus Washington explains the Achilles tendon is small, but it has a devastating impact when injured.
It was home at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday when Steve Smith, Sr. injured his Achilles on the field. It's an injury that could happen to anyone.
It's a hit to the Ravens and fans, as we saw another star player end his season early because of a torn Achilles.
First, Terrell Suggs in the first game of the season. Now, Steve Smith, Sr.
"It's probably a little bit tougher when you lose a guy like that, that you know loves the game of football and loves to be out there with all of us," said Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco.
RELATED: Ravens' Steve Smith intends to return in 2016, schedules Achilles surgery
Dr. Lou Kovacs--sports medicine physician with Towson University--spoke with WJZ about the Achilles.
"You can think of it as a big rope that attaches your calf muscles to your heel bone. So what it does, the main function of it is to allow your, when your calf contracts, to point your toe," said Dr. Kovacs.
When it comes to the function of your Achilles, it's extremely important for anyone looking to run, pivot or coming to a stop.
"As the muscle contracts and shortens up here, it points the toes by pulling on the heel, and that allows for an athlete to push off, either with a jump or an acceleration forward," said Dr. Kovacs.
While Dr. Kovacs hasn't treated Steve Smith, Sr., he says his injury could take longer than the four to six months it takes a non-professional athlete to heal.
"When you're talking about somebody getting back to high, high level, elite athletic activities--like a professional football player--that's a big step up from you or me running around in the backyard," Dr. Kovacs said.
It's an injury that can happen to anyone--including a daily jogger--but it's something more people think and talk about when the injury happens before millions on live TV.
Steve Smith, Sr. released a statement on his official Twitter account, saying:
#RavensNation luv u ,thank you for letting me be apart. Unfortunately I will be #iceupson Nite ???????????????? #agent89 pic.twitter.com/T2M3XUP7Vp
— Steve Smith Sr (@89SteveSmith) November 1, 2015
