Achilles Tendon Tear Treatment in Spartanburg, Duncan, and Greenville, SC

The Achilles tendon is a large tendon that attaches the calf muscle to the heel. Achilles tendon injuries are classified as strains, partial or complete tears. Achilles tendonitis is Achilles tendon inflammation, usually from overuse. Patients who experience Achilles tendon injury symptoms should make an appointment with a Carolina Orthopaedic and Neurosurgical Associates (CONA) foot and ankle specialist as soon as possible. Delaying treatment may make the injury and symptoms worse.

What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

A ruptured Achilles tendon is an injury that happens in the back of your lower leg. It usually happens to people who play sports, but anyone can suffer from this injury.

The Achilles tendon is a strong, fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the back of your leg to the heel bone. If you overstretch your Achilles tendon, it can tear (rupture) all the way or partially.

What Causes an Achilles Tendon to Rupture?

Athletes and active individuals, especially those who constantly run and jump, make up the patient population that experiences the most Achilles tendon injuries. Heavy lifting and falls are also common causes.

When you walk, your Achilles tendon lets you point your foot down, get up on your toes, and push off your foot. Almost every time you walk or move your foot, you depend on it.

Rupture usually happens in the part of the tendon that is about 2 1/2 inches from where it connects to the heel bone. This part might be more likely to break because blood flow isn’t good, which can also make it take longer to heal.

Ruptures often happen when your Achilles tendon is put under a lot of quick stress. Some common examples are:

• Playing sports more often and with more intensity, especially jumping sports
• Falling from up high
• Stepping into a hole

Achilles Tendon Rupture Treatment

Treatment for a torn Achilles tendon often depends on how old you are, how active you are, and how bad the injury is. In general, younger, more energetic people, especially athletes, choose surgery to fix a completely torn Achilles tendon, while older people are more likely to choose a treatment that doesn’t involve surgery.

Nonsurgical treatments may include:

• Activity modification
• Immobilization in a cast, splint, or boot
• Using crutches to rest the tendon
• Putting ice on the injury
• Taking over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen
• Keeping the ankle from moving for the first few weeks, usually with a cast or a walking boot with heel wedges

Surgical treatment usually involves an incision that is made in the back of your lower leg, and the torn tendon is stitched back together. Surgery may be recommended to treat some partial tears and complete tears. An Achilles tendon repair repairs the torn tendon.

Depending on how bad the torn tissue is, other tendons might be added to the repair to make it stronger.

How to Prevent Achilles Tendon Rupture

Follow these tips to lower your chances of injuring your Achilles tendon:

• Stretch and build up the muscles in your calves
• Change your workouts
• Carefully choose the surface you run on
• Slowly increase workout intensity

Achilles Tendon Tear Diagnosis

A CONA foot and ankle specialist will carefully listen to the patient’s symptoms and obtain a medical/injury history. A physical examination of the Achilles is performed. X-rays and possibly an MRI are taken. The Achilles tendon injury is diagnosed and its severity is determined, and an appropriate treatment plan is prescribed to treat the injury and quickly reduce symptoms.

Achilles Tendon Rupture Care in South Carolina

Our specialists here at CONA are here to help you get back to doing the activities you love. If you have suffered an Achilles tendon rupture, request an appointment at any of our locations convenient to you, or walk in at our Orthopedic Urgent Care for immediate help.