What is Achilles tendon rupture? 

Dr.Bharat Bahre, 4 mins read

What is Achilles tendon rupture?

Achilles tendon rupture is a tearing of the tendon (a strong band of tissue that connects your calf muscle to your foot's heel bone). An eruption can be complete or partial. This usually occurs when you apply too much force to your foot or ankle. It may occur on its own. Anyone can suffer Achilles tendon damage. However, it is more common if you are active, male, and aged between 30 and 50. It is also common in women over the age of 60. 

Sudden sharp pain in the back of your lower leg or ankle is one of the symptoms, and you may have difficulty walking. If you suspect that your Achilles tendon has torn or if you are unsure, you should consult your doctor or go to the nearest hospital right away. Getting treatment as soon as possible can help you make a full recovery. 

What causes Achilles Tendon Rupture? 

The exact cause of Achilles tendon rupture in some people is unknown. This, however, occurs when the tendon is overstressed. 

The following factors can cause an Achilles tendon rupture: 

• Falling from the height 
• Stumble or step into a hole
• Running, jumping, or any other sport that requires you to push off with your foot, such as sprint starts
•  A deep wound on the back of the ankle near the Achilles tendon, your Achilles tendon may rupture on its own at times.

What are the risk factors for Achilles Tendon Rupture? 

• Age - Achilles tendon rupture is most common between the ages of 30 and 40. 
• Sex - Men are up to five times more likely than women to experience Achilles tendon rupture.
• Obesity - Excess weight puts additional strain on the tendon.
• Injections - Steroids are sometimes injected into an ankle joint to relieve pain and inflammation. This medication, however, can weaken nearby tendons and has been linked to Achilles tendon ruptures.
• Steroid medicines, certain types of antibiotics, called quinolones.
• Certain medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus), and Cushing's syndrome
• Achilles tendonitis that has been present for a long time or that has recurred, or a pre-existing Achilles tendon injury

How is Achilles Tendon Rupture Diagnosed? 

An Achilles tendon rupture can be diagnosed based on your symptoms, medical history, and examination of your foot. 

Your doctor may order the following tests to help confirm the diagnosis or if the diagnosis is unclear: 

• MRI
• Ultrasound

What is the recovery time for an Achilles Tendon Rupture? 

It can take 8-12 weeks for an Achilles tendon rupture to heal and 4-12 months to return to sports and exercise. However, the length of your recovery will be determined by the severity of your injury. Some competitive athletes may believe they are unable to return to their previous level of activity following an injury. It is also possible that your Achilles tendon will not heal completely after surgical or conservative treatment. If this occurs, your surgeon may recommend additional treatment, including surgery. 

You will need to take time off from work to allow your tendons to heal. The length of your vacation will be determined by your profession. Seek advice from your doctor. 

Achilles Tendon Ruptures Treatment: 

Treatment for a ruptured Achilles tendon is frequently determined by your age, level of activity, and the severity of your injury. In general, younger and more active people, especially athletes, prefer surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon, whereas older people prefer nonsurgical treatment. 

Recent research, on the other hand, has found that both surgical and nonsurgical management are roughly equally effective. 

• Non-surgical treatment:

1. Using crutches to rest the tendon
2. Applying ice to the affected area
3. Taking pain killer medicines
4. For the first few weeks, Avoid moving the ankle by wearing a walking boot with heel wedges or a cast with the foot flexed down.

• Surgical Treatment:

In most cases, the procedure entails making an incision in the back of your lower leg and stitching the torn tendon together. The repair may be reinforced with other tendons depending on the condition of the torn tissue. 

Infection and nerve damage are two possible complications. Minimally invasive procedures have lower infection rates than open procedures. Following surgery, you may be required to wear a cast or leg brace for several weeks until the tendon heals. You should not put any weight on your leg until your surgeon advises you to do so. 

• Physiotherapy:

   You'll have physical therapy exercises to strengthen your leg muscles and Achilles tendon after either treatment. Most people can resume their previous level of activity within four to six months. Following that, it is critical to continue strength and stability training because some issues can last for up to a year. 

Also Read: Spastic Cerebral Palsy –Know its Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment