Achilles Tendon Rupture

What is the Achilles Tendon?

Achilles Tendon is a strong fibrous cord present behind the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. It is used when you walk, run and jump.

Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles Tendon Rupture is when the Achilles tendon tears (rupture) completely or just partially.

Who are at Risk of an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

The tear or rupture of the Achilles Tendon is commonly seen in middle-aged men and women who are involved in sports activities.

People with a history of tendonitis, and certain diseases such as arthritis and diabetes, are at higher risk for Achilles Tendon Rupture.

Patients taking certain antibiotics can be more susceptible to ruptures.

Causes of Achilles Tendon Rupture

The Achilles Tendon Ruptures mainly occurs in people playing recreational sports, but it can happen to anyone. It most often occurs in athletes participating in sports that involve running, pivoting and jumping.

Recreational sports that may cause Achilles Rupture include

tennis,
football,
basketball and
Gymnastics.

Symptoms of Achilles Tendon Rupture

When the Achilles Tendon Ruptures, you will experience:

Severe pain in the back of the ankle, making it difficult to walk
Swelling and discolouration
Stiffness and Tenderness
Difficulty to stand on tiptoe and push the leg when walking

A popping or snapping sound may be heard when the injury occurs.

Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Your doctor diagnoses the rupture based on

symptoms,
history of the injury and
physical examination.

Your doctor may also feel a gap or depression in the tendon, just above heel bone. Your doctor will gently squeeze the calf muscles.

If the Achilles Tendon is intact, there will be flexion movement of the foot, if it is ruptured, there will be no movement observed.

Treatment of Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles Tendon Rupture is treated both using:

non-surgical method, or
surgical methods.

Non-Surgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Rupture

Non-surgical treatment involves wearing a cast or special brace which lifts your heel, allowing the tendon to heal.

Surgical Treatment for Achilles Tendon Rupture

Achilles Tendon Tear Repair surgery procedure involves:

opening the skin, and
suturing the torn tendon together.

Surgery helps to decrease the recurrence of the Achilles Tendonin comparison to the non-surgical treatment.

With either treatment, physical therapy is recommended to improve the strength and flexibility of leg muscles and the Achilles tendon.

Prevention of Achilles Tendon Rupture

To help prevent an Achilles Tendon injury, it is a good practice to perform stretching and warm-up exercises before participating in any exercises or sports activities.

Gradually increase the intensity and length of time of activity. Muscle conditioning may help to strengthen the muscles in the body.