Achilles Tendon Rupture By: Anthony Carragher

What is the Achilles tendon? The Achilles tendon is a large ropelike band of fibrous tissue in the back of the ankle that connects the calf muscles to the calcaneus. The Achilles tendon is the largest tendon in the human body. It is needed to do easy activities as walking, running, and jumping. A complete tear through the tendon, which occurs about 2 inches above the heel, is called an Achilles tendon rupture.

Causes of the rupture This injury often occurs during sports that require jumping, pivoting, and running. You make a forceful push-off with your foot while your knee is straightened by the thigh muscles. For example, starting a foot race or jumping. You suddenly trip, and your foot steps in front to stop you from falling which makes you overstretch the tendon.

What are the symptoms? One symptom maybe a sudden pain in the back of the ankle or sometimes even the calf. When the rupture first happens, sometimes a loud pop or snap is heard After the first couple days of pain, it will swell and become stiff, soon bruising and weakness will follow. Pushing off the foot when walking would be impossible to do.

Special tests-MRI or ultrasound Sometimes MRI and ultrasound can be used to help with the diagnosis. These can determine what treatment would be best. Sometimes it can be misdiagnosed as a small tendon injury, so a MRI is the best way to be completely sure.

Special Tests-Thompson’s test This is used by a doctor to see if there is a complete rupture of the tendon. The doctor would lay you on your stomach and squeeze the calf and the foot will point out. Below is a video of the test. Thompson's Test

Treatment P.R.I.C.E Sometimes surgery is required, sometimes it isn‘t. No matter which one you pick, it will be up to 6 weeks in a cast, or a special brace. Every 2 to 4 weeks, a new brace will be needed to stretch the tendon back to normal length.

Surgery-Pros and Cons If your option is to get the surgery, it will put you out of action for at least 6 weeks or more. The operation requires the surgeon to sew the two ends of the tendon together. If you decide to get the surgery, it makes the recovery time less, and allows higher level of functioning The risks of the surgery are infection, and sometimes accidental nerve damage.

How do I stop this from happening? A great way to prevent this is stretching the Achilles and pre-activity warm-up. Conditioning of the muscle can also help the tendon to rupture Lastly, take it easy, meaning work your way up to a level of activity that you can manage.

References overview overview /a/leg5.htm /a/leg5.htm n_rupture/article_em.htm n_rupture/article_em.htm