An Achilles tendon rupture or tear is an injury that affects the back of the lower leg. The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous cord that attaches the calf muscle to the bottom of your heel. A common injury among athletes, the victim of an Achilles tendon tear may feel a pop or a snap followed immediately by a sharp pain and the inability to walk.
Causes
Achilles tendon tears are a common injury among athletes and are most likely to occur when an athlete attempts to accelerate from a stationary position, such as a running back taking a hand off or a tennis player lunging forward for a ball. Occasionally a tear may occur as a result of repetitive strain or overuse of the tendon, or from overloading the muscle by falling from a height onto the feet or stepping into a hole.
Symptoms
Those who have torn the Achilles tendon report hearing a snap or a pop as the incident occurs. Soon after an individual may feel severe pain and experience a swelling near the heel. Standing or putting a minimal amount of pressure on the foot may elevate these symptoms. The individual will be unable to walk and if the muscle is completely torn surgical intervention will be certain.
Treatment
Surgical intervention is almost always needed as the calf muscle will often migrate upwards in the leg under pressure. The surgery involves making a small incision on the back of the lower leg and sewing the tendon back together. Depending on the condition of the torn tissue, other tendons may be added to reinforce the Achilles tendon.
Recovery
Following a tendon repair it is advised that you not walk on the foot for at least 10 days. After that, you may walk with the use of a removeable hard cast, brace or splint. You will continue to use these devices for six to eight weeks. A rehabilitation program will be prescribed to help regain strength and flexibility in the lower leg region.
