A focus on… Achilles Tendon Tears

Achilles Tendon Tears

What is the Achilles Tendon?

The Achilles tendon, the body’s largest tendon, is a fibrous band positioned at the ankle’s back. It serves to connect the calf muscles to the foot’s heel. When it tightens due to calf muscle contraction, it enables heel lifting for actions like tiptoe standing and foot pointing. While athletes often face Achilles tendon tears, anyone can experience this injury. Notably, a complete tear is more prevalent than a partial one. Such injuries typically occur around 6cm above the heel, where the tendon has limited blood flow, making it both injury-prone and slow-healing.

Achilles Tendon Tears

Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Tear

An Achilles tendon tear chiefly impedes walking, running, and jumping. Other symptoms include:

  • Experiencing a sharp pop or snap
  • Intense calf or ankle pain
  • A sensation akin to a calf kick
  • A detectable tendon-heel gap (roughly 2 inches above the heel)
  • Subsequent swelling, stiffness, weakness, and bruising
  • Challenges in walking, especially during push-off
  • Inability to stand on tiptoe

What Causes an Achilles Tendon Tear?

Though anyone can sustain an Achilles tendon tear if overstrained, certain factors elevate the risk. Activities like running and jumping are common culprits. With age and inactivity, the Achilles tendon can weaken, increasing injury susceptibility. Individuals with prior Achilles tendinitis are especially vulnerable. Some medications (e.g., antibiotics, steroids), illnesses (e.g., diabetes, arthritis), and obesity—owing to the added tendon strain—also heighten the risk.

How Does Physiotherapy Aid in Recovery?

Treatment depends on factors like the patient’s age, injury severity, and activity level. Younger individuals, particularly athletes, often choose surgery, while older ones might prefer physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy for Achilles tendon tears encompasses strengthening exercises for the calf muscles and the Achilles tendon, along with stability training. Many patients can resume regular activities in 4 to 6 months. Functional rehabilitation, a vital component, concentrates on movement coordination and the body’s motion dynamics, aiming to restore peak performance levels.

Note: This article’s content should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare expert regarding your specific condition.

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