Pronounced: ah-KILL-ees TEN-dun RUP-choor
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. A rupture, or tear, can occur when the tendon is overstretched. This injury is very painful. You may hear a popping or snapping noise when the tendon is torn.
Achilles tendon rupture can be caused by:
These factors increase your chance of developing Achilles tendon rupture:
Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors.
If you have any of these symptom, do not assume it is due to Achilles tendon rupture. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. You will also have a physical exam. Tests may include:
Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Upon injury, stop the activity. You may need to see a doctor right way. Treatment options include the following:
For first aid after the injury, remember the acronym “RICE”:
To relieve pain and reduce swelling, you may want to take:
Surgery is the most common treatment for this condition. The doctor makes an incision in the lower leg. Then, she sews the tendon back together. A cast , splint, walking boot, or brace is worn for 6-8 weeks. One of the benefits of surgery is that it lowers the risk of re-rupturing the tendon. Surgery may also be a better option if you are very athletic.
The other option is to allow your tendon to heal without surgery. In this case, you also need to wear a cast, splint, walking boot, or brace for 6-8 weeks. A heel lift decreases force on the tendon. It may take longer to heal, though. You also may have different exercises to do. If you are less active or have a chronic illness that prevents surgery, this option may be better for you.
During rehabilitation, you will:
Most people can return to normal activity in 4-6 months.
To help reduce your chance of getting Achilles tendon rupture, take the following steps:
These steps can also reduce your chance of repeat injury.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://www.aaos.org/
American Podiatric Medical Association
http://www.apma.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation
http://www.canorth.org/
Physical Therapy Canada
http://www.physicaltherapy.ca/
References:
Achilles tendon rupture. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Updated October 2008. Accessed November 4, 2008.
Achilles tendon rupture. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/achilles-tendon-rupture/DS00160/DSECTION=treatments-and-drugs . Updated July 2008. Accessed November 4, 2008.
Achilles tendon rupture. Private Healthcare UK website. Available at: http://www.privatehealth.co.uk/diseases/arthritic-bone-muscle/achilles-tendon-rupture/ . Accessed November 4, 2008.
American Physical Therapy Association. Taking Care of Your Foot and Ankle . American Physical Therapy Association website. Available at: http://www.apta.org/AM/Images/APTAIMAGES/ContentImages/ptandbody/foot/footankle.pdf . Published 1996. Accessed November 2, 2008.
Ibuprofen. EBSCO Publishing Patient Education Reference website. http://www.ebscohost.com/thisTopic.php?marketID=15topicID=114 . Accessed November 2, 2008.
Maffulli, N. Current concepts review—rupture of the Achilles tendon. JBJS. 1999;81:1019-1036.
Stedman TL. Stedman’s Medical Dictionary. 28th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2005: B9;B13
Stretanski MF. Frontera: Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Philadelphia, PA; Hanley and Belfus; 2002: chap 72.
van der Linden P, Sturkenboom C, Herings R, et al. Increased risk of Achilles tendon rupture with quinolone antibacterial use, especially in elderly patients taking oral corticosteroids. Arch Intern Med. 2003;163:1801-1807.
Last reviewed November 2008 by John C. Keel, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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