This can happen with activities which involve a forceful push off with the foot - for example, in football, running, basketball, diving and tennis. The push off movement uses a strong contraction of the calf muscles which can stress the Achilles tendon too much. The Achilles tendon can also be damaged by injuries such as falls, if the foot is suddenly forced into an upward-pointing position - this movement stretches the tendon.
Another possible injury is a deep cut at the back of the ankle, which might go into the tendon. Sometimes the Achilles tendon is weak, making it more prone to rupture. Factors that weaken the Achilles tendon are:. It affects about , a year in the UK, It seem to be becoming more frequent due to more people taking up sport and training more intensely.
It can occur at any age but is most common in people between the ages of 30 and You may notice the symptoms come on suddenly during a sporting activity or injury. You might hear a snap or feel a sudden sharp pain when the tendon is torn ruptured.
The sharp pain usually settles quickly, although there may be some aching at the back of the lower leg. After the injury, the usual symptoms are:. If you suspect an Achilles tendon rupture, it is best to see a doctor urgently because the tendon heals better if treated sooner rather than later. The Achilles tendon tear rupture diagnosis is usually made on the basis of symptoms, the history of the injury and a doctor's examination.
The doctor may look at your walking and observe whether you can stand on tiptoe. They may test the tendon using a method called Thompson's test also known as the calf squeeze test.
In this test, you will be asked to lie face down on the examination bench and to bend your knee. The doctor will gently squeeze the calf muscles at the back of your leg and observe how the ankle moves. If the Achilles tendon is OK, the calf squeeze will make the foot point away from the leg a movement called plantar flexion. This is quite an accurate test for Achilles tendon rupture. If the diagnosis is uncertain, an ultrasound scan or MRI scan may help.
Note : an Achilles tendon rupture is sometimes difficult to diagnose and can be missed on first assessment. It is important for doctors and patients to be aware of this and to look carefully for an Achilles tendon rupture if it is suspected. This condition should be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible because prompt treatment probably improves recovery. Meanwhile, if a torn ruptured Achilles tendon is suspected, you should not put any weight on that foot, so do not walk on it at all.
About Your Injury. Most likely your injury occurred when you: Suddenly pushed your foot off the ground, to go from walking to running, or to running uphill Tripped and fell, or had another accident Played a sport like tennis or basketball, with a lot of stopping and sharp turns Most injuries can be diagnosed during a physical exam. A partial tear means at least some of the tendon is still OK.
A full tear means your tendon is torn completely and the 2 sides are not attached to each other. For a partial tear: You may need surgery. Instead of surgery, you may need to wear a splint or boot for about 6 weeks. During this time, your tendon grows back together. To relieve swelling: Put an ice pack on the area right after you injure it. Use pillows to raise your leg above the level of your heart when you sleep. Keep your foot elevated when you are sitting. Remember to: Talk with your health care provider if you have heart disease, liver disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, or have had stomach ulcers or bleeding.
Consider quitting smoking smoking can affect healing after surgery. Not give aspirin to children under Since the Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone, uninjured patients should involuntarily bend their foot toward their soles plantar flexion as the calf muscle is squeezed. If the tendon is completely ruptured, no flexion will be observed as the muscle is no longer connected to the foot, resulting in a positive Thompson test.
A false-negative test may occur when the injury has healed on its own without proper medical or surgical management, or when treatment has been delayed. Delaying treatment over one month can result in permanent problems. According to this study, a false-negative test result may happen when other muscles and tendons still allow plantar flexion in spite of the ruptured Achilles tendon.
At Pinnacle Orthopaedics, we use the most up-to-date technologies and surgical techniques to provide our patients with the highest quality of care.
Our team of orthopedic doctors, physical therapists, and foot doctors have years of experience in handling various cases and have helped many patients return to their normal lives. We are one with the community. Not only do our healthcare staff get involved in promoting awareness at numerous schools and sporting events, but they also provide exceptional orthopedic services at 5 convenient locations.
If you still have any questions or wish to consult a member of our staff, please contact foot doctors at our various locations:. Or inquire on our contact page. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health. Michael Kuczmanski" in Cherokee County! What causes Achilles tendon problems?
What are the symptoms? How are Achilles tendon problems diagnosed? How are they treated? Health Tools Health Tools help you make wise health decisions or take action to improve your health. Decision Points focus on key medical care decisions that are important to many health problems. Cause Achilles tendinopathy is most often caused by: Overuse or repeated movements during sports, work, or other activities.
In sports, a change in how long, intensely, or often you exercise can cause microtears in the tendon. These tears are unable to heal quickly and will eventually cause pain. A change in your environment, such as going from a flat surface to a hill or from a dirt road to a paved road, can also cause these tears.
Injury from repeated push-offs or a stop-and-go motion. These injuries are common in such activities as running, basketball, tennis, or ballet dancing. Achilles tendon rupture is most often caused by: Sudden, forceful motion that stresses the calf muscle. This can happen during an intense athletic activity or even during simple running or jumping, especially in middle-aged adults.
A rupture most often occurs in sports such as basketball, racquet sports including tennis , soccer, and softball. Overstretching the tendon during any activity when the tendon is already damaged because of Achilles tendinopathy or another condition. Symptoms Symptoms of Achilles tendinopathy may include: Pain in the back of the heel, in the Achilles tendon area.
Pain may be mild or severe. Swelling may occur. Tenderness in the Achilles tendon area. Tenderness may be more noticeable in the morning. Stiffness that goes away as the tendon warms up with use. Decreased strength and movement, or a feeling of sluggishness in the leg. Symptoms of an Achilles tendon rupture may include: A sudden, sharp pain that feels like a direct hit to the Achilles tendon. There may be a pop when the rupture occurs.
This may be followed by swelling and bruising. Heel pain. It may be severe. Not being able to go on tiptoe with the hurt leg. What Happens Achilles tendinopathy Achilles tendinopathy starts with repeated small tears in the tendon. Achilles tendon tear or rupture An Achilles tendon can partially tear or completely tear rupture.
Other Achilles tendon problems Other conditions can affect the Achilles tendon area. They include: Achilles paratenonitis. This is also called Achilles peritendinitis. Retrocalcaneal bursitis. Insertional Achilles tendinopathy. What Increases Your Risk Things that increase your risk for Achilles tendinopathy or rupture include: Sports and physical activity.
Overuse and repeated movements can cause injury and weaken the Achilles tendon. Playing sports increases the risk of an injury. Activities at work such as in construction and at home such as gardening may also increase your risk. Sports training errors. Not warming up before running or other activities or suddenly changing your training program can increase your risk for injury. Increasing your distance, running uphill more often, or changing your ground surfaces too quickly can increase your risk.
Decreased flexibility may also increase the risk of tendon problems. Most cases of Achilles tendinopathy or rupture occur in people older than If you are very heavy, you have a greater risk. Being male. Men are more likely than women to have an Achilles tendon injury. You may increase your risk if you wear shoes that are worn out, that do not support your feet, or that do not cushion your heel. Other risk factors for an Achilles tendon rupture include: A previous injury or rupture to the Achilles tendon.
Corticosteroid injections in the Achilles tendon. They can weaken the tendon. Long-term use of quinolone antibiotics. Quinolones include ciprofloxacin and ofloxacin.
Having osteoarthritis, gout, or rheumatoid arthritis. When should you call your doctor? Call your doctor right away if you think you have an Achilles tendon problem at or above the back of your ankle and: The back of your heel and ankle are very painful.
You felt a sharp pain like a direct hit to the Achilles tendon. You heard a pop in your Achilles tendon when you were injured. You aren't able to walk comfortably. Your Achilles tendon area has begun to swell.
You have signs of damage to the nerves or blood vessels. Signs include numbness, tingling, a pins-and-needles feeling in your foot, and pale or bluish skin. Watchful waiting Watchful waiting is a period of time during which you and your doctor observe your symptoms or condition without using medical treatment. Who to see Health professionals who can diagnosis and treat an Achilles tendon problem include: Emergency medical specialists , for sudden and severe acute Achilles problems.
Family medicine physicians or internists who are familiar with foot and ankle injuries. Podiatrists who are familiar with sports injuries. Sports medicine specialists. Orthopedic surgeons , particularly for an Achilles rupture. Exams and Tests Most doctors diagnose an Achilles tendon problem through a medical history and physical exam. Other tests may be done to clarify a diagnosis or to prepare for surgery. These tests include: Ultrasound.
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