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An Achilles tendon rupture is a severe injury of the lower leg that mostly affects athletes. The Achilles tendon is a strong fibrous muscle that connects the back of the calf to the heel bone. Not only does it help point one’s foot downward, but it also helps one rise on his or her toes and pushes off feet as one walks or runs. Overstretching or overusing Achilles tendon can tear the muscle, causing severe swelling and pain. Athletes in running sports are at a higher risk of contracting Achilles tendon ruptures than athletes in other competitive sports. Sport activities involving sprinting movements and abrupt repetitive jumping can also cause Achilles tendon ruptures. Mechanical factors and a sedentary lifestyle can also lead to this injury. Most athletes with Achilles tendon ruptures report a popping and snapping sound when the injury occurs, followed by a sharp pain in the back of their ankle and lower leg that usually affects their ability to function properly. The typical features of a chronically inflamed Achilles tendon are profound proliferation of connective tissue and degenerative alterations in the blood vessels, which may cause continuing leakage of plasma proteins. This, in turn, can cause severe swelling near an affected heel, making it very difficult for a sufferer to stand up on the injured leg. Because an AT rupture can impair one’s ability to compete in recreational sports, it’s important to seek immediate treatment if one feels a pop or snap in the heel, especially he or she can’t walk afterward. Physiotherapy makes a reasonable treatment option in AT ruptures. It helps minimize the morbidity of the injury, facilitates rapid return to full function, and prevents complications. A physiotherapy expert will inspect your lower leg for inflammation. He or she may then squeeze your calf muscle to feel a gap in your tendon and to see if your foot will automatically flex. If a gap is found and your foot doesn’t flex, it means that you have ruptured your Achilles tendon. An effective treatment for a partial Achilles tendon rupture includes wearing a walking boot with wedges to elevate your heel. This method helps allow the ends of your tendon to heal quickly. Physiotherapy exercises such as strengthening exercises help strengthen your leg muscles and Achilles tendon. Stretching exercises such as soleus stretch can help lengthen the muscles of your calf. The soleus is a muscle that connects to your Achilles tendon. Stretching the soleus helps mitigate the pain associated with an Achilles tendon rupture. Surgery is required in about 65% of athletes with a complete Achilles tendon rupture. The procedure involves making an incision in the calf muscle and stitching the torn tendon together. After surgery, a patient will go through a rehabilitation program involving physiotherapy exercises to regain the strength in the leg muscles and Achilles tendon. About 80% of affected athletes return to their formal level of activity within three to six months. Remember that early functional physiotherapy following surgery improves the surgery outcomes. READ MORE : Perth physiotherapist
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