achilles Tendonitis
The achilles tendon (aslo called the Tendo Achilles and Tendo calcaneus) is the largest tendon in the body and is able to handle extreme amounts of weight. A tendon is a band of tissue that connects a muscle to a bone. The Achilles tendon starts at the posterior (back) of the knee and continues to the back of the heel. The achilles tendon has 2 muscles that join into the tendon much that same as the letter Y. The 2 arms of the Y are the Gastrocnemius muscle (superficial) and the Soleus muscle (Deep). Once joined as tendon the tendon gradually is rotated until it inserts into the heel bone (calcaneus) much the same as a rope.
What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear in some or all of the strands of the tendon. This most commonly occurs 2-3 inches above the heel as this is the weakest area due to decrease blood flow. This can occur from a sudden increase in tension on the tissue such as jumping, landing, running, falling or tripping. Obesity or increased weight increases chances of a rupture.
Other causes would include atrophy, under training, overtraining, antibiotics or steroids. Complete or partial tear occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity.
Symptoms of a ruptured Achilles would include: sudden pain or pop in the region, swelling, redness or warmth, difficulty walking or doing a heel lift.
After evaluation by your foot and ankle doctor evidence of a rupture may be easily detected. More subtle signs of a partial rupture or to determine the extent of the rupture further imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be employed.
Treatment of achilles tendon ruptures depend on the amount of tissue damaged and overall patient circumstances and expectations. Your doctor can help you weight the options of surgery vs. non surgical care to help you achieve the best outcomes.
What is an Achilles Tendon Rupture?
An Achilles tendon rupture is a tear in some or all of the strands of the tendon. This most commonly occurs 2-3 inches above the heel as this is the weakest area due to decrease blood flow. This can occur from a sudden increase in tension on the tissue such as jumping, landing, running, falling or tripping. Obesity or increased weight increases chances of a rupture.
Other causes would include atrophy, under training, overtraining, antibiotics or steroids. Complete or partial tear occurs when the tendon is stretched beyond its capacity.
Symptoms of a ruptured Achilles would include: sudden pain or pop in the region, swelling, redness or warmth, difficulty walking or doing a heel lift.
After evaluation by your foot and ankle doctor evidence of a rupture may be easily detected. More subtle signs of a partial rupture or to determine the extent of the rupture further imaging such as ultrasound or MRI may be employed.
Treatment of achilles tendon ruptures depend on the amount of tissue damaged and overall patient circumstances and expectations. Your doctor can help you weight the options of surgery vs. non surgical care to help you achieve the best outcomes.