Tendons are the tissues in the body that connect muscles to bones and aid in joint movement. In the foot, the most commonly ruptured tendons are the Achilles tendon, the posterior tibialis tendon and the peroneal tendons. The Achilles tendon attaches the calf to the back of the heel, the posterior tibialis tendon crosses under the arch of the foot, and the peroneal tendons attach to the outside edge of the foot.
First Aid
A tendon rupture is often experienced by the patient as a sharp, sudden pain, as if they have been kicked. Depending on the location of the tendon rupture, the patient may be able to walk or may need assistance. Initial treatment should consist of anti-inflammatory measures, including ice to the affected area for 20 minutes. An elastic bandage can help control inflammation and provide some immobilization to the affected area, until the patient can be evaluated by a physician. The patient may need to use crutches for ambulation and should refrain from painful activities until they can be evaluated by a physician.
Immobilization
According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, the physician may place the patient in a cast or splint to allow the ruptured tendon to heal. This may require the use of crutches for four to six weeks, until the tendon is healed enough to support weight. In some instances, the patient may be allowed to remove the splint for bathing and to perform specific home exercises.
Physical Therapy
In some cases, physical therapy will be prescribed for the treatment of a ruptured tendon. Physical therapy may be the initial course of treatment or it may occur following immobilization or surgery. According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, a physical therapist may initially use ultrasound, heat and ice to reduce swelling. As the patient becomes more tolerant, they will be instructed in exercises to strengthen the foot and ankle.
Surgery
Some tendon ruptures require surgical intervention to repair. Many times the foot and ankle are simply too unstable to return to previous level of function without surgical repair. In some instances, the only way to re-approximate the two ends of the ruptured tendon are through surgical intervention. Certain ruptured tendons need to be repaired immediately, while some can be treated conservatively first, according to the Institute for Foot and Ankle Reconstruction at Mercy.
