Achilles Tendon Rupture

An acute rupture of the Achilles tendon may be misdiagnosed as an ankle sprain. In fact, a wrong diagnosis may occur in up to 25% of patients. By understanding the symptoms of this condition and receiving a proper diagnosis, you are much less likely to suffer further injury.

Signs & Symptoms of an Achilles Tendon Rupture?

Are you suffering from ankle or calf pain? Here are some signs that it may be more than a simple sprain:

• Feeling a “popping” or snapping sensation during physical activity or a fall
• Sudden stabbing pain in the back of the ankle or calf
• Persistent, dull ache in the area shortly after the injury
• Swelling between the heel and calf
• Problems walking, especially uphill or on stairs
• Pain while bending the foot downward
• Difficulties standing on your tiptoes

Diagnosis of an Achilles Tendon Injury

Your doctor or a foot and ankle surgeon can accurately diagnose an Achilles Tendon Rupture. During a physical exam, your doctor will start by asking you how the injury occurred as well as your symptoms. After that, an inspection of your foot and ankle alerts the doctor to any swelling, tenderness, or defects in the area. In addition, physical tests detect a reduced range of motion or weakness during plantar flexion—when the foot or toes stretch downward.

In some cases, your doctor may want to take an even better look at the area. This will help determine if the tear is complete or partial. Diagnostic imaging like an MRI or ultrasound gives the doctor an opportunity to see the extent of your Achilles tendon injury.

There are both surgical and nonsurgical options for treating an Achilles tendon injury. This often depends on the severity of the rupture and your overall health status. Those who are younger and more active generally choose to repair the injury using surgery. Older people who aren’t as active may opt for more conservative treatments. For patients who want to peruse additional information about Achilles tendon rupture, you can peruse The National Library of Medicine’s resources, or NJ Spine’s internal resources. It’s always best to talk with your doctor or ankle and foot surgeon to determine what treatment is right for you.

Nonsurgical Treatments

While nonsurgical treatments may be effective in some cases, there is a higher risk of reinjuring the area if returning to activities too soon.

Those choosing more conservative treatments usually have to rest the area for a period of time. During this recovery phase, icing the area can help to reduce pain and swelling. In addition, elevating the leg and wrapping it in an elastic bandage also can manage swelling.

Over-the-counter medications can aid immensely with pain relief. You can also use a special cast or boot to immobilize the area, encouraging a speedy recovery.

Physical therapy exercises can strengthen the Achilles tendon as well as the affected leg muscles. In addition, functional rehabilitation helps you gain a better understanding on how your movements affect the body. This is especially helpful for athletes or “weekend warriors.”

Surgical Options

In some cases, surgery can allow those who haven’t responded to nonsurgical treatments to find more lasting relief. In addition, those who wish to get back to doing what they love quicker with less chance of re-injuring the area may choose surgery.

During surgery, you will likely receive anesthesia as well as sedation to numb the area and help you sleep through the procedure. For a minimally invasive procedure, a small incision is made so that the surgeon can gain access to the area. Using a tiny camera, the surgeon investigates the area and performs an Achilles tendon repair. This usually includes suturing the ripped tendon.

In cases of degeneration, the surgeon may remove another tendon from your foot. This tendon will replace all or part of the injured Achilles tendon. This is known as a tendon transfer.

Once the damage is repaired, the incision and any affected muscles are sutured. Dressing is applied to the wound. In many cases, these surgeries are outpatient procedures. This means you can go home the same day.

Recovery After Surgery

After waking up from surgery, you will likely have your ankle in a splint or boot. This prevents movement so the area can heal. In addition, using crutches will help you keep weight off your leg.

In the days following the surgery, you can take medications to relieve the pain. Your doctor will monitor the area to see how it is healing and make sure there is no nerve damage or infection. As you continue to heal, physical therapy is also recommended to restore function to your injured foot.

With the appropriate aftercare, most people can return to normal activities within four to six months.

Are You Ready to Start Your Recovery?

An Achilles tendon injury can keep you from doing the things you love. If you’re an athlete, the quicker you get the tendon repaired, the quicker you can get back on the field. So who can you turn to for trusted results?

The doctors at NJ Spine and Orthopedic have decades of experience treating a variety orthopedic conditions. They specialize in minimally invasive procedures using the latest technology. What does this mean for you? Minimal scarring, less damage to the area, and—and likely most important of all—faster recovery times.

You felt that “pop” and resulting pain in your Achilles tendon. Why not trust your gut and go with a team of doctors who specialize in helping people getting their life back? Call 855-586-2615 for a free MRI consultation today.