Athletes who play recreational sports are most at risk for developing an Achilles tendon rupture, report doctors at the Mayo Clinic. The strong fibrous cord that connects the muscles in the heel bone to the back of the leg is called the Achilles tendon. When overstretched, it can tear or rupture.
Initial tear
When a rupture occurs, the patient often hears a snap or a pop that is followed by severe pain running up the back of the leg and the ankle. Some people liken it to the feeling of being kicked hard or shot. Swelling also follows the initial pain and the patient will have difficulty standing on her toes, or standing at all. Walking becomes very difficult, as the person cannot push off with the damaged tendon. A partial rupture carries many of the same symptoms on a lesser scale and the person usually continues walking.
Repair
Surgery usually is required to repair a ruptured Achilles tendon. Complications from the long recovery period following the surgery can be daunting, report doctors at Clinical Sports Medicine. Patients typically are required to remain in a stiff cast and avoid bearing weight on the leg for up to nine weeks. Immobilization creates a shortening of the tendon and intense physical therapy is needed to rebuild the muscles and strengthen the tendon. In addition to the risk of wound infection following surgery, other complications include deep venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolisms and re-rupturing of the tendon.
Conservative treatments
Conservative treatments for a ruptured Achilles tendon reduce the risk of many surgical complications and are primarily used for minor ruptures. Non-surgical treatment involves immobilizing the ankle in a brace, cast or walking boot to allow the tendon to naturally repair itself. While some doctors report a higher incidence of re-rupturing, doctors at Clinical Sports Medicine report little difference in the rate of re-rupturing between patients treated with surgery and those who spent time with the tendon immobilized.
Untreated
While Achilles tendonitis can be relieved with stretching and corrective footwear, a rupture must be treated either with surgery or through immobilization. If a ruptured tendon is not treated, the tear can worsen and create crippling effects for the patient. To avoid complications prior to treatment, doctors at the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons recommends patients rest, keeping off the injured leg, apply ice to reduce swelling and wrap the ankle to keep it from swelling even more. Elevating the leg also can decrease swelling.
