The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscle to the heel bone and withstands a great deal of strain and pressure during daily activities as well as sports activities. It also helps to walk on your toes and drive your foot forward, so you rely on it mostly while walking or moving your feet.

Achilles tendon ruptures affect the back of the lower leg and occur when the Achilles tendon is overstretched. It usually affects athletes, although it may affect anyone. When the Achilles tendon ruptures, you may hear a popping sound followed by severe pain in the back of your ankle and lower leg, making it difficult to walk.

Symptoms

You may not have any symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture; however, you will most likely experience the following:

• Feeling like you’ve been kicked in the back of your leg.
• Severe pain and swelling near the ankle.
• Inability to bend the foot down.
• You cannot stand on your toes on the injured leg.
• A popping sound occurs when the injury occurs.

Causes

The blood flow to Achilles tendon is poor, making it more susceptible to injury and limiting its ability to heal. An abrupt increase in pressure on the tendon is a typical cause of the rupture. It also happens when:

• Increased intensity of sports activities, particularly activities involving jumping.
• Falling from a height.
• Taking a step into a hole.

Factors that increase the risk

• Men are five times more likely than women to suffer an Achilles tendon rupture.
• Ruptures are more common between the ages of 30 and 40.
• Playing sports like football, basketball, and tennis.
• Taking antibiotics contain fluoroquinolone.
• Overweight and obesity increase the pressure on the tendon.

Treatment of Achilles tendon

Your doctor will choose the best treatment for you based on numerous variables, including your age, the activities you participate in, and the severity of the injury. Usually, younger, more active people tend to have surgery to repair a complete rupture, while older people prefer nonsurgical treatments option.

Non-surgical treatment

Includes:

• Rest and use of crutches.
• Putting ice on the affected area.
• Take pain relievers.
• Avoid moving your ankle during the first few weeks, usually using a medical device.

Nonsurgical treatment avoids the risks associated with surgery, such as infection, although recovery may take longer.

Surgery

The procedure involves stitching the torn tendon. Depending on the condition, repair may be enhanced with other tendons.

Complications can include infection and nerve damage.

Achilles tendon Rehabilitation

After any treatment, you’ll do physical therapy exercises to strengthen your leg muscles and Achilles tendon, and most people are back to their previous activity level within six months.

You may schedule an appointment at Health and Style Medical Center right now to receive the care you need.