Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Treatment. Treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon often depends on your age, activity level and the severity of your injury. In general, younger and more active people, particularly athletes, tend to choose surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, while older people are more likely to opt for nonsurgical treatment.
You can tear your Achilles tendon by tripping, missing a step when going downstairs or accidentally stepping into a hole and twisting your ankle. Some medications — including certain antibiotics and steroid injections in the area — can weaken the Achilles tendon.
Achilles tendon rupture. The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your calf to your heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear (rupture).
Achilles tendon injuries can be treated with rest and medicines to help with the inflammation. Exercises often help too. If needed, surgery can be done to repair the tendon.
However, a large or full tear of the Achilles tendon is a disabling injury. Achilles tendon tears often occur from an injury to the tendon. The tears can be treated without surgery at times; however, a surgeon may recommend surgery to repair the tendon.
You may need to avoid exercise for several days or switch to an activity that doesn't strain the Achilles tendon, such as swimming. In severe cases, you may need to wear a walking boot and use crutches.
Learn what causes tendon tears and ruptures, and how how to diagnose them. We also discuss what treatment works best for different types or Achilles tears and ruptures. This is the landing page for all our articles about Achilles tendon tears and ruptures.
An Achilles tendon rupture surgery reconnects the ends of the torn tendon. In revision cases or when the tendon was damaged before the rupture, the tendon may need to be reconstructed using a graft from another tendon in your body.
Achilles Tendon Ruptures are common tendon injuries that occur due to sudden dorsiflexion of a plantarflexed foot, most commonly associated with sporting events. Diagnosis can be made clinically with weakness of plantarflexion with a positive Thompson's test.
If you need surgery for an Achilles tendon rupture, physical therapy may be recommended afterward to help you regain strength and mobility. If you have a partial tendon tear, physical therapy or home exercises prevent loss of muscle strength in the foot and ankle.