What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
When the Achilles tendon snaps it is known as Achilles tendon rupture.
What Causes an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
The Achilles tendon can grow weak and thin with age and lack of use. Then it becomes prone to injury or rupture. Certain illnesses (such as arthritis and diabetes) and medications (such as corticosteroids and some antibiotics) can also increase the risk of rupture.
Achilles tendon rupture most commonly occurs in the middle-aged male athlete (the weekend warrior who is engaging in a pickup game of basketball, for example). Injury often occurs during recreational sports that require bursts of jumping, pivoting, and running. Most often these are tennis, racquetball, squash, basketball, and badminton.
The injury can happen in these situations:
- You make a forceful push-off with your foot while your knee is straightened by the powerful thigh muscles. One example might be starting a foot race or jumping.
- You suddenly trip or stumble, and your foot is thrust in front to break a fall, forcefully overstretching the tendon.
- You fall from a significant height.
Achilles Tendon Anatomy
The calf muscles of the lower leg become the Achilles tendon. This is the prominent tendon at the back of the heel, which attaches to the heel bone.
These muscles are responsible for actions such as pointing the toes and standing tiptoe. They are greatly involved in repetitive activities such as walking, jogging, hopping and aerobics.
Totally Ruptured Achilles Tendon Treatment
The worst case scenario for a total rupture of the tendon is the tendon not rejoining. In this case, you will lose total calf and significant foot function.
Treatment of a ruptured Achilles tendon usually requires surgery, plaster or a walking boot for several months. Most of these injuries take three to six months or more to adequately rehabilitate.
The best advice is to seek early advice from your Physiotherapist, Doctor or Orthopaedic Surgeon.
Partially Ruptured Achilles Tendon Treatment
A partially ruptured Achilles tendon may or may not require surgery.
The best advice is to seek early advice from your Physiotherapist, Doctor or Orthopaedic Surgeon. If lucky, you may avoid surgery but require a walking boot or similar with a graduated rehabilition program to strengthen your injured tendon and prevent a further injury.
Common Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatments
While everyone's treatment can vary depending on your individual assesment and rehabilitation goals, here's a few common Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment Options.
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FAQs about Achilles Tendon Rupture
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