Achilles Tendon Rupture
Introduction
Do you experience extreme pain at the back of your feet and have no clue what it could be about? Well then, this article could be your sign to get your feet diagnosed by experts, as it could be something as serious as the Achilles Tendon Rupture.
An Achilles Tendon is a tissue at the back of your feet, a little above your heels, and it connects the calf to the feet. It can break due to some rigorous strain and can cause a lot of discomfort and pain to the sufferers.
Here’s a detailed review of the Achilles Tendon Rupture, and in case you have it, here’s all that you’ve got to do.
What is it?
The biggest tendon in the human body is the Achilles tendon. It links the calf to the heel and gives our feet a lot of support. It is the strongest and thickest tendon in the body.
In case of a rupture, it breaks, or the tissues fall apart and cause a lot of discomfort and pain. The rupture can be partial or complete depending upon the intensity of an accident met.
An Achilles tendon rupture is very common among people aged between 30-40 years of age. It is mainly due to the kind of exercises and tedious jobs this group is expected to undertake. The rupture is reportedly more common among men than women.
In case of an extreme condition, patients are advised to visit experts and undergo treatment for Achilles Tendon Rupture.
Type of Achilles Tendon Rupture
Achilles Tendon Rupture is caused to due overstretching of the fibrous tendon. Depending on the amount of stretch that leads to the tear, the rupture can be classified into the following 4 types.
Type I: Less than 50% of a partial rupture
Type II: Complete rupture with less than a 3-cm tendinous gap
Type III: Complete rupture with a 3 to 6 cm tendinous gap
Type IV: Total rupture with a 6 cm or larger defect.
Depending on the type of the rupture and the extent of the tear, experts undertake types of treatments and measures. While most of the ruptures can be handled through conservative measures, only a few require surgeries, but it is highly recommended to visit a professional in case of such conditions.
We at Saqsham Ortho provide just the required treatment for Achilles Tendon Rupture to our patients and ensure complete safety and welfare of the patients.
Causes
Achilles Tendon rupture is majorly caused due to some negligible accident or vigorous tasks you tend to undertake. Any sudden movement, like exercising or sports, can cause the tendon to tear open.
It is commonly found among the weekend warriors, specifically speaking of those who tend to attend gyms and engage in vigorous exercises once in a blue moon. Sportspersons, too, like footballers, basketball players, cricketers or tennis players, are vulnerable to this syndrome.
Uncomfortable shoes that can lead to tripping or falling can result in rupture.
Symptoms
The Achilles tendon supports your feet and their movements. Thus, in case you aren’t able to point your feet downwards anymore, it could mean that there is some issue with the tendon.
While pain and swelling are a given of any required medical condition, sudden and sharp pain can be experienced in special cases like these. Pain in case of a rupture is unexplained and can lead to bruising and tenderness in the spot that is torn.
Patients often experience difficulty in climbing and walking for too long. The rupture often tends to happen with a loud crack or snap sound.
Pay attention to these little symptoms, and in case of further doubts, you can visit us, and we will help you undertake the right Achilles Tendon Rupture treatment.
Diagnosis
We tend to undertake a step-by-step diagnosis of the issue to come to a perfect result. Doctors will first observe your feet and examine them by trying to figure out the area of pain and the extent of the pain.
You might be asked to perform certain tasks to examine the movement of your feet and heel area. In case of complications, our doctors can ask you to perform further tests and reports.
Various ultrasound and MRI tests are undertaken to examine the extent of the rupture.
- Thompsons Test is used to determine the extent of the tear and is useful in case of a complete rupture.
- Matles test is the most reliable one, where a patient is asked to stretch the feet at a 90-degree angle.
- Achilles Tendon Total Rupture is a set of questionnaires to determine whether the tear is present.
- Realtime Achilles Ultrasounds Thompsons test is another sonographic test.
Based on the results of these tests, doctors undertake the Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment.
Treatment
The treatment majorly depends on the extent and the type of rupture. The patient’s age and lifestyle are also taken into account. Anti-inflammatory and pain relievers are suggested for the first few days.
In the case of a youngster, we often recommend surgery, but elderlies are advised to get periodic physiotherapy and medications for the pain and swelling. Diabetics and physically weak and comparatively inactive people are recommended to stick to the traditional method of physiotherapy.
The surgery must proceed with proper aftercare. In case of an acute injury, there are high chances of patients undergoing bleeding and extreme pain.
A patient is expected to exercise regularly and keep a check on his/her diet for a period of about 24 weeks. Regular check-ups and therapy sessions must be attended. Recently, the nonsurgical practice has been proven to be much more effective than the surgical method, given the fact that proper care and routine are followed.
Achilles Tendon Rupture isn’t that common a syndrome. It is quite accidental, and in the case of expert guidance, the issue can be resolved. Timely stitches can save you from further hassles. Thus, in case of any further queries, be sure to contact us at Saqsham Ortho and book an appointment to get your orthopaedic issues diagnosed and treated.
At Saqsham, we care for your well-being and strive to bring you the best orthopaedic care and solutions. If you are experiencing any foot and ankle issues and would like to get a medical opinion,
we’d suggest you book an appointment.