CAUSES

When the Achilles tendon is stretched beyond a certain limit, it may experience a complete or partial tear. This typically occurs in sports injuries due to forceful jumping or sudden speeding up while running. That can stretch the tendon too much, causing a tear.

Some people may already be suffering from Achilles tendinitis or inflammation of the tendon, making them more susceptible to Achilles tendon tear.

SYMPTOMS

Common symptoms of a torn Achilles tendon are –

• Sudden and a sharp pain in the back of the ankle and lower leg

• Snapping or popping sensation at the time of the injury

• Swelling down the back of the leg or near the heel

• Difficulty walking or lifting yourself up on the toes

PREVENTION

You can prevent the Achilles tendon from being torn by stretching your calf muscles regularly and alternating high impact sports with low impact sports. You should wear appropriate, supportive shoes with proper heel cushioning as well.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a torn Achilles tendon, you must seek treatment immediately. You should avoid walking with an injured tendon, keep your foot elevated and ice the affected area to reduce pain and swelling.

TREATMENT

The treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures depends upon the age, health, and activity level of the patient as well as the extent of the tendon injury (that is, partial tear versus complete rupture).

Treatment for an Achilles tendon rupture can be surgical or non-invasive. Surgery is recommended to reattach the tendon. This is followed by rehabilitation, especially for those who want to go back to an active lifestyle.

Surgical treatment is ideally performed within 2 weeks from the date of the initial injury before the tendon and muscle begin to scar and shorten and make reattachment it to its native position more difficult. Surgery consists of repairing the ruptured tendon edges back to each other with stitches.

Dr. Farber of the Phoenix Shoulder and Knee clinic can evaluate the severity of your tear and suggest the plan for Achilles tendon tear treatment. Most people can go back to their pre-injury level of activity within six months of treatment.

To set up a consultation for Achilles tendon tear treatment in Phoenix, AZ, call Phoenix Shoulder and Knee clinic at 480-219-3342. Dr. Adam Farber is a Board certified, Fellowship trained and highly experienced in treating musculoskeletal conditions. He specializes in arthroscopic surgery and sports medicine with a focus on shoulder, elbow, and knee injuries/conditions, including rotator cuff tears, shoulder instability, labral pathology, Tommy John surgery, articular cartilage injuries, meniscal pathology, and ACL tears.