What to Know About Achilles Tendon Rupture

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A rupture of the Achilles (uh-KILL-eez) tendon affects the rear of your lower leg. It mostly affects persons who participate in recreational activities, although it can affect anyone.

The Achilles tendon is a thick fibrous thread that connects the rear of your calf muscles to your heel bone. Your Achilles tendon can tear (rupture) fully or partially if you overstretch it.

If your Achilles tendon ruptures, you may hear a pop followed by a searing pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg that will likely make it difficult for you to walk normally. The rupture is frequently repaired with surgery. Nonsurgical treatment, on the other hand, is effective for many patients.

Causes of Achilles Tendon Rupture 

As you walk, your Achilles tendon assists you in pointing your foot downward, rising on your toes, and pushing off your foot. It's something you rely on almost every time you walk or move your foot.

Rupture commonly occurs within 2 1/2 inches (approximately 6 centimeters) of the tendon's attachment to the heel bone. Because blood supply is weak in this area, it may be prone to rupture, compromising its ability to mend.

A rapid increase in the stress on your Achilles tendon is a common cause of rupture. Increasing the intensity of sports involvement, particularly in sports that entail jumping, falling from a height, and stepping into a hole, are common examples.

Diagnosis of Achilles Tendon Rupture 

During the physical exam, your doctor will look for soreness and swelling in your lower leg. If your tendon has totally ruptured, your doctor may be able to feel a gap in it.

You may be asked to kneel in a chair or lie on your stomach with your feet dangling over the end of the exam table by the doctor. He or she may next apply pressure to your calf muscle to see if your foot flexes naturally. If it doesn't, your Achilles tendon is most likely ruptured.

If your doctor is unsure about the extent of your Achilles tendon damage — whether it's entirely ruptured or simply partially ruptured — an ultrasound or MRI scan may be ordered. These painless techniques produce photographs of your body's tissues.

Treatment Options for Achilles Tendon Rupture 

Treatment for a torn Achilles tendon is often determined by your age, degree of exercise, and injury severity. Younger and more active people, especially athletes, are more likely to opt for surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, whereas older people are more likely to choose nonsurgical treatment.

The hazards of surgery, such as infection, are avoided with nonoperative treatment. However, a nonsurgical method may raise your chances of re-rupture, and recovery may take longer, while recent studies show that patients who are treated nonsurgically and begin weight-bearing rehabilitation early have better outcomes.

Surgery 

Making an incision in the rear of your lower leg and sewing the damaged tendon together is the standard method. Other tendons may be used to support the repair, depending on the condition of the damaged tissue.

Infection and nerve damage are two possible complications of Achilles tendon surgery. In comparison to open procedures, minimally invasive techniques have lower infection rates.

Rehabilitation 

You'll undergo physical therapy activities to strengthen your leg muscles and Achilles tendon after either treatment. Within four to six months, most people are back to their previous level of activity. After then, it's critical to continue strength and stability training because certain issues might last up to a year.

Functional therapy is a type of rehabilitation that focuses on body component coordination and how you move. The goal is to get you back to your peak performance, whether as an athlete or in everyday life.

According to one review research, if you have access to functional rehabilitation, nonsurgical treatment may be just as effective as surgery. More research is required.

After either surgical or nonsurgical treatment, rehabilitation is also moving earlier and advancing faster. In this area, as well, research is ongoing.