David Beckham, and now Philies’ slugger Ryan Howard, are among many professional athletes who have suffered through an Achilles tendon injury. More specifically, they tore their Achilles tendon. While an Achilles’ tendon tear can be seen in all levels of competitive athletes, they are commonly linked with male recreational athletes; especially the weekend-warrior type, who may be somewhat de-conditioned.
Recognition and treatment of an Achilles tendon injury is very important, as neglected or unrecognized ruptures can cause many future problems with both daily activities and sports competition.
Where is the Achilles tendon, and what does it do?
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscles to the back of the heel bone. The tendon is large and strong and must be able to resist and transmit large forces produced by the powerful calf muscles to move the foot. The tendon is responsible for pushing the foot down, and is therefore necessary to perform in all sports, especially those in which jumping is necessary.
What is an Achilles tendon rupture (tear)?
A tear at any point in the tendon, but generally it is seen slightly above where the tendon attaches to the heel bone.
What causes injury to the Achilles tendon?
High impact activities that put repeated strain on the tendon. Common activities that stress the tendon are running, prolonged walking, high–impact sports such as soccer, volley-ball and basket-ball, and even standing for prolonged periods of time. Really, any activity which creates significant force placed on the leg with the knee extended and foot pulled up. This usually happens when awkwardly landing from a jump, and stresses the tendon when it is stretched to its maximum ability.
A person is often at a higher-risk of injury if they have over-pronation, seen most commonly in those with flat feet. The arch collapses during impact activities, causing the foot to roll inward, and puts stress on the Achilles tendon.
Other risk factors which initially create a weakening of the tendon, include cortisone injections in or around the Achilles tendon (which can weaken the tendon), pre-existing Achilles tendonitis (inflammation of the tendon) which causes weakening of the tendon over time, certain medications, diabetes.
What are the symptoms of an Achilles tendon tear?
A sudden sharp pain as if someone has whacked you in the back of the leg with something. This will often be accompanied by a loud “snap” or “popping” sound. You will feel weakness in your leg and will be unable to walk properly or stand on tip toe. You will be unable to walk properly and unable to stand on tip toe. There may be a gap felt in the tendon. There will be a lot of swelling.
How is an Achilles tendon tear treated?
There are two types of treatment options: Surgical and non-surgical. Prompt treatment is necessary as a torn Achilles tendon does not heal on its own.
Non-surgical treatment typically involves placing the foot in a cast or rigid boot to hold the foot in a down-pointed position, to get the torn tendon edges as close as possible. Weight bearing is not permitted in the beginning, but is gradually encouraged after healing ensues at 4 to 6 weeks. Physiotherapy is always necessary, to strengthen the muscles of the leg and calf, and is initiated when significant healing has occurred. Physiotherapy is also needed to build increased balance and proprioception.
The non-surgical form of treatment However, this form of treatment may result in incomplete or no healing; creating a high risk of re-injury; and it can take a year or more to return to athletic activity.
Surgical treatment involves surgically re-attaching the Achilles tendon, followed by the non-surgical treatment protocol as above.
At our clinics, we use a multidisciplinary approach to treating Achilles tendon injuries, because we want our patients to get better quickly and we want to make sure that we address all areas of concern, to prevent re-injury. While undergoing physiotherapy, our patients may also be treated by a massage therapist and/or chiropractor; and a chiropodist to address any mechanical foot problems which place increased strain on the tendon.
If you have noticed some discomfort in your Achilles tendon or the back of your heel, chances are you have strained the tendon and have Achilles tendonitis. Click here: http://www.we-fix-u.com/footCare/achilles.htm, to avoid further injury.
About We-Fix-U Physiotherapy and Foot Health Centres:
We-Fix-U understands that pains and disability impact your life and you don't always have enough time to take care of yourself. That is why We-Fix-U's goal is to get you better, faster, and keep you going, longer.
Employing a large team of experts: Physiotherapists, Chiropodists, Massage Therapists and Chiropractors, We-Fix-U has the ability to give you the best and most comprehensive approach to getting you better.
We-Fix-U co-founders David Evans (Physiotherapist) and Cristol Smyth (Chiropodist), employ a standard at each clinic, approrpiately called "The Dave and Cristol Standard". Through this standard, We-Fix-U takes a three-pronged approach to treating your ailments: The first is to resolve your symptoms so you can start to feel better, faster. The second is to discover the root of the problem so we can prevent it, and new ones from returning. a three-pronged approach to treating ailments: The first is to resolve symptoms, and the second is to discover the root of the problem, to prevent your problem (and new ones), from returning. The third is to make your treatment fun, friendly and effective. Visit www.we-fix-u.com
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