What is your Achilles Tendon?
The Achilles tendon attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. This thick band of tissue is very strong. In fact, the Achilles tendon is the largest and strongest tendon in the body. The Achilles tendon gives your leg strength to walk, run and jump.
An Achilles tendon rupture can be full or partial tear . This acute (sudden) injury occurs when the tendon stretches to its breaking point. It happens most frequently while playing sports. Tripping, falling or twisting your ankle can also cause an Achilles tear.
If you're dealing with an Achilles tendon injury, don't hesitate to contact sports medicine specialist Dr. Manish Aroraa today to schedule an appointment. We have extensive experience to accurately diagnose and effectively treat Achilles tendon injuries.
Do I Have an Achilles Tendon Injury?
The classic sign of a ruptured Achilles tendon is feeling (and sometimes hearing) a pop or snap at the back of your ankle. People often mistakenly think something has hit them, but they're actually feeling the tendon snap.
Symptoms Include:
- Sharp, sudden pain in the back of the ankle near the heel.
- Swelling and bruising in the back of the ankle.
- Pain when walking, especially upstairs or uphill.
- Tenderness in the spot where the tendon is torn.
If you have an Achilles tendon injury, you should seek medical attention to get properly diagnosed. The Doctor will listen to your symptoms and perform clinical examination.
You might need an imaging test like an X-ray and MRI. This will not only confirm the diagnosis of ailment and also elucidate the severity of injury..
- X-ray shows bones and can show bone spurs and if the tendon has become calcified or hardened.
- MRI will help you see how grade the severity of tendon damage and helps us to decide what treatment will be best for you.
As you talk with Dr. Manish Aroraa, he will discuss your symptoms, desired outcomes and the best way to manage your concern.
What are common Achilles Tendon Injuries?
There are multiple injuries that can occur with your Achilles tendon. These include:
Achilles tendon tear
It is break in continuity of tendon. Tear can be small or large depending on kind of injury. Regardless of the size, tendon tears can cause pain, swelling, and limited movement. In some cases an Achilles tendon tear emerges suddenly after an injury. However, in other cases, it develops over a time.
Achilles tendinosis
It is caused by a thickening, fibrosis or calcification of the tendon. It occurs due to continual use or as the result of the aging process.
Achilles Bursitis
It can be experienced if there is an irritation of the bursa – which is a sac of fluid that safeguards the Achilles tendon at your heel. It also occurs due to continuous use of ankle.
Achilles tendinitis
It occurs frequently while patients are involved in activities such as as running or walking. The repetitive motion can eventually create an inflammation of the tendon which results in pain and stiffness at the back of the heel.
Your Achilles tendon bears a lot of stress and pressure during everyday activities, as well as during athletic and recreational play. Achilles injuries can occur due to the tendon's limited blood supply, especially near the heel bone. This poor circulation can slow the healing process and increase the risk of further damage if untreated.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options
- Rest to ankle joint
- Ice application 5-7 minutes four times a day.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for pain relief.
- Heel lifts in shoes or orthotic shoes after Immobilization (Cast) for 6 weeks.
- Collagen supplementing medicines can fasten tendon tears.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or BMAC (Bone Marrow Aspirate Centrifuge) injections can be used to stimulate healing.
- Brace or walking cast: Nonsurgical treatment for a torn Achilles tendon requires immobilizing the injured foot and ankle. Your doctor will immobilize your foot, ankle and calf in a brace or walking cast.
Physical Therapies
- Specific strength exercises to strengthen your calf muscles
- Calf stretches and heel drops
- Adjust physical activity to low-impact activities, such as swimming
- Eccentric strength training. This type of exercise helps strengthen your calf muscles to take pressure off your tendon
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy uses high-energy shockwave impulses to help stimulate the healing process in damaged tendon tissue
Surgical Options
Depending on whether the tendon is partially torn, fully ruptured or degenerated tear over time, surgical options can range from Minor Repairs to Complete Reconstruction.
Achilles tendon damage can result from different causes depending on your age and activity level. Younger patients often experience ruptures due to sudden, high-impact movements. Older adults, especially those who stay active in sports like tennis or pickleball or due to ageing may develop chronic degeneration over time that can lead to tear.
The Surgical approach depends on the extent and location of tendon damage. We will thoroughly evaluate your condition using Ultrasound & Magnetic Resonance imaging diagnostic tools to determine the best course of action.
Prevention
You can't always prevent an accidental injury like tearing your Achilles tendon. But you can take steps to reduce the risk of an Achilles tendon rupture, including:
- Doing warm up exercises before a workout or game.
- Increasing the intensity of workouts gradually.
- Regularly stretching your calf muscles and heel tendon.
- Strength training of muscles around ankle joint
- Cautious of slippery turf where you are playing or exercising
- Wear right kind of shoes apt for your sports you are playing.