A torn Achilles tendon affects the back of your lower leg when you overstretch the tendon located there, leading to a partial or complete tear. Although it is mostly seen in people playing recreational sports, it can affect anyone.
When the Achilles tendon ruptures, you may hear a pop and experience a sharp pain in your ankle and lower leg. It may also affect your ability to walk properly. Surgery is often recommended to repair a torn Achilles tendon.Â
At Kimball Health Services, our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Jeffery MacMillan, offers specialized consultations, detailed diagnosis, and targeted treatment to repair torn Achilles tendons.
The Achilles tendon is the largest and longest tendon in your body that attaches the calf muscle to the heel bone. It is built to handle a lot of stress ​​and gives your leg strength to walk, run, and jump.
However, the Achilles tendon may rupture due to stressful activities. It happens mainly when playing sports. Tripping, falling, or twisting your ankle can also cause the rupture. While it can heal with rest and bracing, you may require surgery in a severe case of rupture.
To protect your Achilles tendons, you can follow these tips:
People between the ages of 30 and 40 years, and males, are more likely to develop torn Achilles tendons. Getting steroid shots in your ankle can also increase your risk of rupturing the tendon.
Torn Achilles tendons are often caused by a sudden increase in the stress on your ankle.
Common causes of a torn Achilles tendon include:
You may hear a popping sound when your Achilles tendon snaps. Common symptoms that indicate a torn Achilles tendon include:
During your physical examination, the doctor will examine your lower leg for soreness or swelling. If your Achilles tendon has torn completely, the doctor may feel for a gap in the tendon. They will also check your foot and ankle by moving them in different ways and applying pressure to see how you respond.
If your doctor is unsure about the severity of the rupture, they may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or MRI scan. These tests are painless and create pictures of your body's tissues.
Treatment for a torn Achilles tendon typically depends on your age, activity level, and the severity of your injury. Older populations prefer nonsurgical treatments, while younger and active people tend to choose surgery to repair a completely ruptured Achilles tendon.
Nonsurgical treatment involves wearing a cast or walking boot with the foot pointed downwards to allow the torn ends of the Achilles tendon to heal together. You may need crutches to avoid putting weight on the affected leg for a while.
Your doctor may also prescribe pain medications if needed. Braces may be recommended to provide support and stability to the ankle during recovery.
Surgery is recommended, especially for younger, active individuals or those with severe tendon tears. Our surgeon stitches the torn ends of the tendon back together, either with traditional open surgery or minimally invasive techniques.
Risks associated with surgery include infection and nerve damage. Minimally invasive procedures reduce infection rates compared to open procedures.
It may take a few months to fully recover from a torn Achilles tendon. The speed of recovery depends on the severity of the rupture.
Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen your leg muscles and Achilles tendon. You may return to your former level of activity within four to six months. You may also need functional rehabilitation that focuses on the coordination of body parts and how you move.Â
Remember not to push yourself before your Achilles tendon injury is fully healed, or you may risk getting injured again, and the pain could become a chronic problem.
Torn Achilles tendon treatment is performed to restore your leg's normal function and movement following a tendon injury or tear. At Kimball Health Services, we provide comprehensive treatment for torn Achilles tendon.
As one of the top critical access hospitals in the nation, we pride ourselves on delivering high-quality, patient-centered care.Â
In case of an emergency, call 911 or walk into our emergency department anytime. For appointments, call us at 308-235-1966 or fill out our online form. We're here for you whenever you need us.Â
