Achilles Tendon Ruptures/Tears
To all runners, football players, or anyone who uses their feet: watch out! Given the crucial role of the Achilles in nearly all sports and basic everyday activities, athletes are susceptible to various types of injuries, one of the worst being the Achilles tendon rupture or tear.
What is an achilles tendon rupture?
The Achilles tendon is located at the back of the lower leg, serving to connect the calf and soleus muscles to the heel bone. Achilles tendon rupture is an injury that causes the Achilles tendon to tear apart. These ruptures can be classified into four types based on severity: Type 1, Type 2, Type 3, and Type 4:
Type 1: Is a minute partial tear and can typically be treated with conservative management
Type 2: Partial tear to be treated with end to end anastomosis requiring surgery.
Type 3: Almost full tear and requires a synthetic graft, also requiring surgery.
Type 4: Full tear and also requires a synthetic graft, as well as surgery.
Who is affected by an achilles tendon rupture?
While many people can experience an Achilles tendon rupture, the injury is most common in athletes who participate in high-impact sports such as running, soccer, basketball, and football. Additionally, it tends to occur more frequently in athletes classified as 'weekend warriors'—individuals who don't exercise regularly throughout the week but engage in physical activity only on the weekends. This condition typically affects men more than women and is more prevalent in those aged between 30 and 50.
Precautions
Prioritize gradual activity: Avoid abrupt, forceful movements to protect the Achilles tendon from excess strain.
Regularly stretch and strengthen: Include calf stretches and strengthening exercises to improve tendon flexibility and resilience.
Select supportive footwear: Opt for shoes with good arch support and cushioning; consider orthotic inserts as necessary.
Stay attuned to your body; seek timely advice: Pay attention to any discomfort or weakness in the Achilles tendon; consult with a healthcare professional promptly if needed.
Symptoms
Some symptoms of achilles tendon rupture may include:
Pop in achilles tendon followed by immediate sharp pain in affected area
Inability to walk or exercise
Difficulty flexing the affected foot
Stiff and sore achilles when you wake up
Swelling pain
Treatment and recovery
When faced with an achilles tendon rupture, it is important to address the injury with proper treatment. Treatment may include:
Stopping all activity on causing pain to area
Depending on severity surgery may be needed
Cast may be needed
Icing
Trying low impact sports alternatives such as swimming
-Medications for pain relief
Calf strengthening exercises
Conclusion
Though dealing with an Achilles tendon rupture is frustrating, as an athlete, it is important to have patience throughout the healing process to prevent further damage to the area and avoid setbacks. With proper treatment, most notably rest, it is still possible for an athlete to make a successful return to the playing field.
Sources
Cleveland Clinic. "Achilles Tendon Rupture." Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21703-achilles-tendon-rupture.
Mayo Clinic. "Achilles Tendon Rupture - Symptoms and Causes." Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/achilles-tendon-rupture/symptoms-causes/syc-20353234.
Johns Hopkins Medicine. "Achilles Tendon Injuries." Johns Hopkins Medicine, https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/achilles-tendon-injuries.
Bupa. "Achilles Tendon Rupture." Bupa, https://www.bupa.co.uk/health-information/muscles-bones-joints/achilles-tendon-rupture.