Achilles Tendonitis and Tendon Rupture: A Complete Guide

The Achilles tendon is a fibrous cord of tissue that runs from your calf muscle to your heel. In terms of length and strength, the Achilles tendon is unparalleled.

But your Achilles tendon can rupture under extreme stress, like when you suddenly stop or when you fall. While rest and bracing can help, many cases require surgical intervention.

What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

Achilles tendon connects calf to heel bone. Such a robust band of tissue is here. The Achilles tendon is the strongest and largest of all the body’s tendons. The Achilles tendon allows you to easily walk, run, and jump.

Rupture of the Achilles tendon can refer to a complete or incomplete tendon tear. When a tendon undergoes excessive stretching, a sudden injury known as an acute injury occurs. Sports are the most common setting for this to happen. A torn Achilles tendon can also result from a fall or ankle twist.

Symptoms and Causes

Why do people tear their Achilles tendons?

Rupture of the Achilles tendon can occur due to a sudden movement that places stress on the tendon. Almost all athletes’ have injuries to the Achilles tendon. Sports like football, football, basketball, tennis, and squash are particularly dangerous because of their frequent starts, stops, and turns. Tearing your Achilles tendon isn’t always an athletic injury.

Tripping, missing a step-down stair, or stepping into a hole and twisting your ankle can all lead to a torn Achilles tendon. The Achilles tendon can become fragile if you take certain antibiotics or get steroid injections in that area. This can increase your likelihood of tearing something.

Can you describe the signs of an Achilles tendon tear?

A pop or snap at the back of your ankle is the classic symptom of an Achilles tendon rupture. People frequently attribute painful sensations to actual blows when, in fact, they are experiencing the snapping of a tendon.

Some other typical signs are:

• Pain in the heel’s inner part and the ankle’s back.
• The back of your ankle is swollen and bruised.
• Difficulty going up or down stairs or hills.
• Pain and tenderness at the tendon’s rupture site.

What are the potential effects of tearing your Achilles tendon?

A ruptured Achilles tendon is a serious injury requiring immediate medical attention. A ruptured Achilles tendon may not heal properly without medical attention. A re-rupture is possible if you do this.

Tests and Diagnosis

How does one identify a ruptured Achilles tendon? Your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination of your feet and ankles. They will test your range of motion and your responsiveness to pressure there. In addition, they will check for a tear in the tendon by feeling for a separation.

Your healthcare provider may also order imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI, to assess the severity of your Achilles tendon tear.

Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Surgery and conservative (non-surgical) treatment options exist for Achilles tendon rupture. Your doctor will evaluate your injury and help you decide if surgery is necessary. Your doctor will consider your age, general health, and activity level before deciding on a course of treatment.

While you wait for treatment, you will likely need to wear a cast or brace on your leg to prevent further damage. Your doctor may tell you to rest your injured leg. While your leg is immobile, you may be given medication to lower your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

Non-invasive Therapy

If you are older, have other health issues, or don’t engage in much physical activity, your doctor may recommend conservative (non-surgical) treatment. This usually entails using a cast or brace to stabilise the lower leg while the tendon mends. While your tendon mends, you may find that over-the-counter pain relievers are necessary.

Complications from non-surgical treatments are less common than those from surgery. On the other hand, future ruptures are more likely.

 

Casting

It is common practice to apply a cast beginning at the knee, bending the affected limb completely at the foot. You may need to wear a cast for a few weeks, but you can get adjustments made so that your foot can move into a more neutral position over time. You will need crutches because you cannot bear weight on your leg.

Brace

A brace is a rigid, strap-adjustable boot. Typically, it will fit you from the knee down. You’ll need to adjust the brace multiple times over a few weeks to achieve the desired foot elevation level. While wearing the brace, you can put weight on your foot and walk normally; take it off when you want to move your ankle joint.

 

Surgery

The likelihood of your doctor recommending surgery increases if

1. Because of your age and energy level,
2. You’re an Athlete Who Competes
3. You waited too long to treat the rupture.
4. You keep having Achilles tendon ruptures.

It’s possible to repair an Achilles tendon in several ways surgically. All of these procedures involve stitching your torn tendon back together. To repair the tendon, making an incision in your ankle may be necessary, a procedure known as “open surgery.” Alternatively, you could undergo minimally invasive surgery, in which the surgeon makes tiny incisions to access the tendon.

It is less likely that your tendon will rupture again if you opt for surgery rather than non-surgical treatment. However, surgical procedures carry a higher risk of complications such as wound infection and scarring.

Minimally invasive surgery might reduce these dangers to a manageable level. Your surgeon will review your treatment options with you and help you make an informed decision.

 

Rehabilitation

You’ll need a rehabilitation period after your initial treatment, whether or not you had surgery on your Achilles tendon. A physiotherapist can help you improve your ankle and lower leg mobility and strength through a series of exercises designed specifically for you. The exercises will begin on a low-intensity level and increase gradually.

Try some targeted exercises to improve your calf muscles’ health. Your physical therapist may also suggest low-impact activities like cycling, jogging, and swimming.

Conclusion

Repairing a ruptured Achilles tendon, surgically or nonsurgical, takes about the same time. After four to six months, regardless of treatment, you should be able to return to your routine, including low-impact sports. However, producing high-impact sports like football, squash, or tennis may take longer.

Most people can resume their pre-injury level of physical activity. However, you might discover some restrictions if you want to make a living from your sport. Returning to your peak performance could take a year or more. You can get more personalised guidance from your doctor or physiotherapist.