The Achilles tendon is a tough, fibrous band of tissue that joins the muscles in the rear of your leg to your heel bone. We rely on the Achilles tendon to withstand the stresses of walking, running, and other recreational activities. When the Achilles tendon becomes inflamed, ruptured, or injured, it can cause considerable pain and significantly impair everyday activities and quality of life.
Types of Achilles Tendon Injuries
There are two forms of Achilles injuries: acute rupture and chronic tendonitis. Achilles rupture refers to a torn Achilles tendon, whereas Achilles tendinitis refers to swelling of the Achilles tendon.
When the Achilles tendon ruptures or tears, you may hear a snap and then experience severe pain in the back of your ankle that spreads up your lower leg. An Achilles rupture can be caused by age, overuse, or other underlying issues, such as arthritis, which weakens the tendon and makes it more prone to tears and injuries.
Achilles tendonitis occurs when an injury or overuse of the Achilles tendon causes inflammation and edema. The tendon may get thicker and harder. Tendinitis is classified into two types based on its location.
If you've been diagnosed with non-insertional Achilles tendinitis, it indicates minor tears or injuries in the middle of your tendon, resulting in inflammation and pain.
In contrast, insertional Achilles tendinitis occurs where the tendon touches the heel. Achilles tendonitis is sometimes accompanied by bone spurs, bony growths in the heel.
Achilles Tendon Injuries Treatment Options
Doctors begin by using non-invasive treatments to alleviate the symptoms of Achilles injury. They handle Achilles injuries differently. When non-surgical treatments fail to relieve pain, a mix of surgical and non-surgical procedures may be performed. If you have a severe tear or injury to your Achilles tendon, your doctor may propose Achilles tendon repair surgery. To find a specialist, you may try Googling “Achilles tendon doctor near me”.
Chronic Achilles Tendinitis Treatment
Chronic Achilles tendonitis from overuse can be painful and debilitating. However, it can be treated using non-surgical techniques.
Your doctor may recommend the following therapies and drugs to treat Achilles tendinitis:
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Icing the area
- Shock wave therapy
- Corticosteroid injection
- Modifying your daily activities
- Physical therapy
- Custom orthotics (shoe inserts)
Chronic Achilles Tendinitis Surgery
- Debridement of the Achilles Tendon: During the debridement surgery, the surgeon removes damaged parts of the Achilles tendon and restores them with tiny stitches. They also remove any bone spurs, which are little protrusions along the margins of your bones that may have developed as a result of tendon damage. Then, they employ special hardware, like metal or plastic anchors, to keep the Achilles tendon in place. Following debridement, you will most likely need to wear a boot or cast for many weeks to help the tendon and tissues heal.
- Minimally Invasive Surgery: Patients with chronic insertional Achilles tendinitis originating in the lower portion of the tendon who have not responded to conservative treatment may be eligible for minimally invasive Achilles tendinitis surgery. The technique involves making a small incision on the side of the heel that allows the surgeon to modify the angle at which the Achilles tendon meets the heel bone to relieve strain. Following the operation, patients spend around 4 weeks on crutches before beginning weight-bearing and physical therapy. You may try to return to normal activity in around three months.
- Tendon Transfer: When the Achilles tendon is severely injured and diseased, it may need to be partially removed. In these circumstances, an Achilles tendon transfer is required. The tendon in the big toe has been relocated. The new tendon implantation strengthens the injured tendon while also allowing the big toe to move.
How to Treat a Ruptured Achilles Tendon
To treat an acute Achilles rupture, your surgeon may recommend a 12-week non-surgical physical therapy program that is protocolized and evidence-based. The approach requires patients to adhere to a highly specific and specified treatment plan that includes casting, booting, and intensive rehabilitation therapy.
Therapy may include:
- Icing the area
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Modifying your activities, resting more frequently, and wearing a walking boot or a cast
Ruptured Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
In some circumstances, surgery may be combined with non-surgical procedures. The Achilles tendon rupture repair procedure involves an incision in the lower leg's rear and reattaching the torn tendon. If the tendon is severely damaged, a tendon transfer may be indicated.
Ruptured Achilles Recovery
Your recuperation time will vary according to the severity of your ailment. Most people with an Achilles tendon injury take up to a year of physical therapy and rehabilitation to achieve the greatest outcomes.
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